tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71254311534359597952024-03-20T01:20:22.949-07:00The Ralph and Freddie ShowThe Personal Blog of Pamela and Gary France of Kanab, Utah.Gary and Pamela Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08307643252732814073noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125431153435959795.post-84603583665324380922013-04-13T07:51:00.000-07:002013-04-13T07:51:54.300-07:00Home Again!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It took us a couple of weeks to pack and prepare to fly home. We bought a luggage hand held weight scale and so Elder France found himself lifting bags over and over until we had all of our eleven bags weighing just right. It was worth the effort...we paid no overweight charges. We had a lovely dinner at the Mission Home and flew from Helsinki to London on 18th December. From London we flew on the beautiful 777. We had excellent seats on the right side. The service and food were excellent and very much appreciated. Our flight was eleven hours "over the top" to Los Angeles, California. We stayed the night in Los Angeles and flew the final flight the next evening to St. George, Utah.<br />
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Family greeted us at the airport!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"They're coming! I can see the plane!!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We met our newest grandson for the first time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three of our beautiful daughters were able to meet us!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emotional reunion for Grandma and granddaughter!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back home in the beautiful Land of Dixie!!!</td></tr>
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The first Saturday home we gathered for our youngest daughter's little boy's baptism. It was a special time for all! Our other three families arrived for the baptism and the holidays. A spectacular reunion for us everyone!<br />
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All of our children arrived for Christmas and we had a wonderful holiday time together!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great family photo taken!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This handsome grandson won the guess, "Where will Grandma and Grandpa go to serve their mission?"<br />
He guessed Russia and was the closest, winning $100.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking for our crew is no small endeavour, <br />
but everyone pitches in and does it with such great fun and willingness !<br />
THANKS goes out to all!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The house was all Christmas decorated!<br />
We decorated the tree together...thank you daughter-in-law for putting the lights on!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having all these grandsons around was so wonderful! Merry Christmas!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laughing and talking together is one of the most precious things about gathering!<br />
Making memories and connections!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the grandkids opened their stockings!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just what I wanted!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma was given a new HD+Nook...what a surprise!<br />
Grandpa was given cash for his choice of a golf pass! <br />
Our children and grandchildren know us and love us.<br />
We are so blessed!! Thank you...thank you!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were given the newly published and amazing Brainy Bookiacs Book for 2012 vacation!<br />
FRANCE FIGHTERS...each grandchild wrote a part of the story and did their own illustrations<br />
(see below) with Grandpa and Grandma Finland as main characters in the story.<br />
Our daughter, children, and grandchildren did a fantastic job again of pulling it all together!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our grandchildren are the most talented on the earth! Well, they are.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finland gifts all around! It was so fun to see each family enjoy what we brought them.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our five granddaughters like their handmade mittens and hats.<br />
Grandsons liked their hats and knives too, but I couldn't get the fifteen of them all together just then!<br />
Go figure...such energy! Wish we could bottle it for our old age.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swimming was also fun for all!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have now been home for six weeks...talked in church and at a couple of firesides. We have two more talks booked. We have settled back into our home and know we have had a bit of a glimpse of how it will be when we return to our home with Heavenly Father and our family someday...<i><b>mission complete</b></i>!</span><br />
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<br />Gary and Pamela Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08307643252732814073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125431153435959795.post-51843359921523203382012-12-16T13:09:00.000-08:002013-02-03T15:17:17.078-08:00Farewell Finland<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
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"The time is far spent!"<br />
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We leave from Finland the day after tomorrow and as I have contemplated this last entry in our blog written in Finland it has been good to review what being here on our mission has meant to us. We have been blessed beyond words in spiritual things. We have felt the personal influence of the holy spirit guiding us and helping us to learn what we needed to learn. When in need we had those needs met sometimes by miracles. <br />
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We have loved the Finnish people and this beautiful country! The Latter Day Saints here are amazing. In all the world more lessons are taught to investigators with a member present than anywhere else. The Saints are devoted to God, country, and each other. These last days have been filled with gratitude for the experiences we have enjoyed and those people who have contributed so much to our well being, happiness, and joy.</div>
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I would like to share some of those last experiences that we have had.</div>
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We had a fun evening together...dinner and a puzzle with a Sister missionary who had to come to Helsinki because she needed some medical attention. While here she became our dear senior sister's companion.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a wonderful, fun time working on the puzzle. <br />
Due to the sister missionary's influence, our new Chinese friend is now<br />
saving to go on her own mission. Our new Chinese friend stayed with us<br />
for a few days while waiting for her school apartment in Helsinki to open. She is a sweetheart!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While we had fun Grandpa Finland did the dishes! Silly face...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another day some of the temple senior missionaries came<br />
and shared a meal and friendship together.</td></tr>
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We took a trip to see the Castle in Turku. The ride to Turku was such a great ride. We saw tunnels, granite walls, and walls made of small granite pieces held together with strong wire (looked like our chicken wire, but was much stronger). We saw seven tunnels. It was amazing!<br />
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What a beautiful country! When we arrived in Turku we saw many fun things! This duck was one...</div>
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This beautiful building another...</div>
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Here is the castle in all it's glory. It is preserved very well. It is a REAL medieval castle. We had audio headphones and toured from top to bottom and even saw a REAL dungeon. In the courtyard I could almost hear the clip clop of the horses hooves on the cobblestone and the clinking of their armor.</div>
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Inside the courtyard. The model below helps you to see the way the castle was laid out.</div>
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Do you recognize this dragon slayer?</div>
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How about this beautiful princess?</div>
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Can you pick which one doesn't belong? </div>
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We had fun with the section built for younger visitors.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LEGO model built by students.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple of medieval married folk!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh..Oh...he is stealing the king's gold! Get him!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An awesome doll house showing all the rooms in the castle and set up like they were many years ago!<br />
So beautiful!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This room is where one king was held captive<br />
because he did not do what he was supposed to.<br />
The window Grandpa is looking out of is where his food was delivered. <br />
He spent many years here....until his death.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing construction!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dungeon door...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another time period and another part of the castle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It took us all day to drive to Turku and tour the castle.<br />
This photo was taken as we left in the evening light...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow! That is one big daisy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful sailing ship in the harbor...Turku is known for the beautiful cruise ships they build there.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral of the Lutheran Church in Turku. We only took photos outside...too late to go inside.</td></tr>
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OUR FIRST DAY OF SNOW!</div>
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And it hasn't stopped since!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More temple senior missionaries came for dinner and fun together.<br />
Those on the right are taking our place in the office.<br />
We did receive word that there will be no move to a new<br />
office location because of the changes announced in the<br />
ages of missionaries. The influx of willing missionaries<br />
will create no budget for such changes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HEY! Angry birds is everywhere!<br />
This banner is announcing the new<br />
Star Wars angry birds.<br />
Have you tried it?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HIgd1fq9IoE/UMcL3MVasuI/AAAAAAAAZZg/QspIA2XTAQY/s1600/DSCF7092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HIgd1fq9IoE/UMcL3MVasuI/AAAAAAAAZZg/QspIA2XTAQY/s640/DSCF7092.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Finnish guests for dinner. Lasagna and garlic bread is good in every country!<br />
These are dear Finnish friends who had us over to their homes for meals and fellowship.<br />
The very best of Finland!</td></tr>
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It is custom to bring flowers when asked to dinner and these were what they brought to us...so beautiful!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how we spent our Thanksgiving...with pumpkin pie and all. Turkey is expensive, but it was worth it.<br />
The stuffing turned out marvelous, gravy, stuffing, cranberries, etc. It was a great meal!<br />
Oh yeah, rutabaga is a commonly used vegetable here...wonder if I have Finnish ancestors.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dear sisters!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nZAQ4jrzDoo/UMcMPC6SU6I/AAAAAAAAZcE/t-BgIBtBchk/s1600/DSCF7117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nZAQ4jrzDoo/UMcMPC6SU6I/AAAAAAAAZcE/t-BgIBtBchk/s400/DSCF7117.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas lights were up before our American Thanksgiving!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonderful artisans at Parliment Square at the Tori...selling their handmade items.<br />
Such wonderful craftsman, friendly and filled with the joy of the season.<br />
We had so much fun shopping and buying Christmas presents!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metal craftsman at work!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eRyNL71GG9k/UM1okiptoWI/AAAAAAAAZeY/g1L1LJ_EHVs/s1600/DSCN3373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eRyNL71GG9k/UM1okiptoWI/AAAAAAAAZeY/g1L1LJ_EHVs/s320/DSCN3373.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional Finnish foods are everywhere.<br />
This is rye bread with herring and pork stuffing.<br />
We bought some just to try it because it was recommended<br />
to us by our Finnish sister friend and guess what?<br />
It was delicious!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Makkra and little fishes or moiku...yummy!<br />
VERY FINNISH!</td></tr>
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A senior couple comes to begin their mission and a senior couple leaves to head home!</div>
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WE ARE NEXT....I will post again in January with all the photos from our trip home...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
our reunion with our wonderful family...a baptism...and our Christmas celebrations.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Do you all know how grateful we are that we have the knowledge </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of the gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and our Heavenly Father's plan of happiness? </div>
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We are truly blessed...</div>
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Please click on this link <a href="http://www.lds.org/bible-videos/videos/glad-tidings-of-great-joy-the-birth-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng">Glad tidings of great joy!</a> </div>
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We love you and wish you a very</div>
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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!</div>
Gary and Pamela Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08307643252732814073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125431153435959795.post-47198845169416086462012-11-09T12:09:00.000-08:002012-11-09T12:09:12.319-08:00Happy Birthday Helsinki!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It is Helsinki's 200th Birthday!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">HELSINKI is the capital and largest city of Finland. It is on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, an arm of the Baltic Sea. Helsinki is located some 80 kilometres (50 mi) north of Tallinn, Estonia, 400 kilometres (250 mi) east of Stockholm, Sweden, and 300 kilometres (190 mi) west of Saint Petersburg, Russia. Helsinki has close historical connections with these three cities.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Helsinki urban area includes the city proper of Helsinki and large parts of other municipalities: Espoo and Vantaa, which immediately border Helsinki to the west and north, respectively; and Kauniainen (where they are trying to relocate the mission office), which is an enclave within the municipality of Espoo. It is is the world's northernmost urban area of over one million people, and the city is the northernmost capital of an EU member state. Altogether over 1.3 million people, approximately one of four Finns, live in the metropolitan area of Helsinki.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Helsinki is Finland's major political, educational, financial, cultural and research centre as well as one of northern Europe's major cities. Approximately 70% of foreign companies operating in Finland have settled in the Helsinki region. The nearby city of Vantaa is the location of Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, with frequent service to various destinations in Europe and Asia. In 2009, Helsinki was chosen to be the World Design Capital for 2012 by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design, narrowly beating Eindhoven for the title.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In the Economist Intelligence Unit's August 2012 Liveability survey, assessing the best and worst cities to live in, Helsinki was placed 8th overall.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We have enjoyed the city. There are often festivals and special events that have made the city come alive. Below are some photos of the "FISH and BREAD Festival" that was held in the marketplace. Fishermen came with their boats laden with pickled herring in an enormous assortment of flavors. Most every boat had fresh baked breads as well! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We ate the best little fishes for lunch...they are called "muikku"<br />
Much like smelt which are found in Michigan's great lakes.<br />
Yummy!</td></tr>
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Our Finnish friend invited us to go along and with him and pick mushrooms one Saturday. The forests of Finland belong to all...even property owned by an individual, if that property is not used for the owner's livelihood then anyone can go on to it without trespassing He took us to an area somewhat preserved like our state parks. It was a beautiful day and we learned quickly to spot the mushrooms.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one was a good one!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see the mushrooms?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our friend was the winner...with the most mushrooms in his basket!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a poisonous one...do NOT eat!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of mushrooms in this photo!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one is good to eat...almost looks like a flower.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a lichen that helps the dead trees return to the earth after they die.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of yummy mushrooms!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like home...</td></tr>
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We drove home from the forest on the King's highway...where real kings traveled in the days of old.
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I have been doing quite a bit of knitting lately. I chose a particularly challenging pattern. I found as I had to start the project over and over countless times, until I could get the pattern right, that it is very much like my life and the challenges I have. I am so thankful for the principle of repentance that allows me to 'start over' and continue daily to get the pattern of my life right. I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and those principles of love and service found within.</div>
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May you have success and happiness today in living your own pattern of love and service!</div>
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Gary and Pamela Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08307643252732814073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125431153435959795.post-90806983221275643402012-10-28T13:59:00.003-07:002012-11-05T21:34:38.496-08:00Time Flies...It snowed here on Friday and it is one degree centigrade today. The summer and fall have passed and we are into winter already. The days here are shorter and the darkness is coming earlier every night. Where has the time gone? This is where we began our mission...I don't remember the fall as much as I remember the winter. <br />
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We were chatting and discussing our preparations to finish our mission just this past week. We have been blessed to have a couple who will replace us in the Mission Office. They are currently here serving a mission in the Helsinki Temple and were due to finish next May 2013. They will take a change of assignment this December and an extension to complete another full mission in the mission office. Valiant people! We will have an opportunity to train them and that will be so essential to the smooth running of the office. They have already come in to begin training.<br />
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We have had some wonderful experiences this past six weeks. We had an inspiring Zone Conference with a visiting General Authority. We traveled to Suomenlinna, Pietarsaari, and Larsmo. We had the special opportunity to speak at two new members baptism. Sister France spoke on baptism and Elder France spoke on the Holy Ghost. It was a great honor for us! We visited a local outdoor museum with much Finnish History to see and learn about. We had dinner with friends and said farewell to missionaries we loved. We visited the home of the famous Finnish composer Sibelius. Let me share a few photos from each of these experiences.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing meals and providing sustenance for bodies in an important part of our mission.<br />
For this meal we had a baked potato bar with all the fixin's.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The BEST APs ever!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at those smiles that can light up a room! Great sisters!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption">No dishes for us to do this meal! We had an energetic wonderful clean up crew while we were able to attend a special sisters meeting with the wife of our general authority and mission president. It was a highlight for us!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You know how I love the flowers that are everywhere in the city!<br />
Aren't they wonderful?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vendors selling fresh fruit and vegetables<br />
are on every plaza.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're off for an excursion to the island of Soumenlinna...it is a beautiful day and we are glad in it!</td></tr>
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Boat venders at the marina marketplace...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marketplace food...yummmmmy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE KING at King's Gate! Well, he's the king at our house...</td></tr>
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These alcoves were built for the laborers who were constructing the fortress. They provided shelter for sleeping...They were damp and cold, but it was shelter. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These walls protected Finland from intruders, usually the Russians.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWl0Lt_YNhE/UGhLaZgJ1WI/AAAAAAAAXlY/XuZhX-0fYLQ/s1600/DSCN2087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JWl0Lt_YNhE/UGhLaZgJ1WI/AAAAAAAAXlY/XuZhX-0fYLQ/s320/DSCN2087.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-boEGDcldY/UGhLPQDwdII/AAAAAAAAXkw/l05kHa7VzCc/s1600/DSCN2083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-boEGDcldY/UGhLPQDwdII/AAAAAAAAXkw/l05kHa7VzCc/s200/DSCN2083.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A long walk all around the top of the Island fortress.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TfGlmqPmKsk/UGhMA0Un6WI/AAAAAAAAXnk/E89PhfO1pDQ/s1600/DSCN2101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TfGlmqPmKsk/UGhMA0Un6WI/AAAAAAAAXnk/E89PhfO1pDQ/s400/DSCN2101.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big cannons all along the way!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3OxaRlS_NJ0/UGhMRl2RuNI/AAAAAAAAXog/8gbqy5RLiLw/s1600/DSCN2107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3OxaRlS_NJ0/UGhMRl2RuNI/AAAAAAAAXog/8gbqy5RLiLw/s320/DSCN2107.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some areas have deteriorated and are scheduled for renovation.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4gU2riTp7ag/UGhMoJm7BkI/AAAAAAAAXpw/lt0QbuGBmpg/s1600/DSCN2115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4gU2riTp7ag/UGhMoJm7BkI/AAAAAAAAXpw/lt0QbuGBmpg/s640/DSCN2115.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hmmmm...where are we going? This is a question we should ask ourselves regularly...</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Od0e3qkjnY/UGhNuPzmTKI/AAAAAAAAXtg/zqkiJ0BNVOc/s1600/DSCN2139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Od0e3qkjnY/UGhNuPzmTKI/AAAAAAAAXtg/zqkiJ0BNVOc/s200/DSCN2139.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ekcZ6VLxivY/UGhNSlf7XVI/AAAAAAAAXsI/XXTbrrjQReM/s1600/DSCN2130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ekcZ6VLxivY/UGhNSlf7XVI/AAAAAAAAXsI/XXTbrrjQReM/s400/DSCN2130.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
This little pond had a tragic tale attached to it. A young couple very much in love wanted to be married, but their parents would not consent. So they went to this pond and jumped in with the intent to die together. As the story is told, the young lady's dress was to full and she did not go under, nor did she die. Her beau, however, did die and she lived with a broken heart for all the rest of her life.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old horse stables....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burial Memorial to the Commander who built the Suomenlinna fortress.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VItdUsZx-5M/UGhOWwbxhRI/AAAAAAAAXvs/o5fjmiRuj0w/s1600/DSCN2153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VItdUsZx-5M/UGhOWwbxhRI/AAAAAAAAXvs/o5fjmiRuj0w/s200/DSCN2153.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k8jFLaPUqss/UGhOp6myw8I/AAAAAAAAXw0/vGY2KxKFDGw/s1600/DSCN2160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k8jFLaPUqss/UGhOp6myw8I/AAAAAAAAXw0/vGY2KxKFDGw/s640/DSCN2160.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a big anchor for a BIG ship...Wow!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma's favorite thing on the Island...<br />
The Museum for Dolls! Only photo I took before<br />
I learned I wasn't to take photos...Fun place!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iFq42taCapI/UGhF17a-HbI/AAAAAAAAXSA/Fli4jQ_rG5I/s1600/DSCN2240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iFq42taCapI/UGhF17a-HbI/AAAAAAAAXSA/Fli4jQ_rG5I/s320/DSCN2240.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner with a lovey Haaga ward member!<br />
So kind, generous, and loving. </td></tr>
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<b>Seurasaari </b>in Helsinki was a popular hiking destination in the 1880s. The people came to the island by boat, hung up a hammock on trees, brewed coffee, cooked and ate snacks. Children played games and fed tame squirrels and ducks. Seurasaari bridge was built in 1882. With it began a new era on the island. The restaurant was built in the early 1900s, the island then became a museum. Tenant buildings from out in the Finlands country side were relocated Seurasaari in 1909 which marked the beginning of the entire outdoor museum. Artist Gallen-Kallela and architect Yrjö Blomstedt located many old buildings that were threatened to be destroyed and brought them to the museum to preserve Finland's history. Buildings continued to be rescued by Dr. Axel Olai Heikel, Ph.D., and thus he became the true founder of the open-air museum, and later became its first curator.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the bridge that takes us into Suerasaari.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7sBq-rDNzs0/UDo3R9Rb17I/AAAAAAAAWMo/hmvg9m4aWqQ/s1600/DSCN2286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7sBq-rDNzs0/UDo3R9Rb17I/AAAAAAAAWMo/hmvg9m4aWqQ/s400/DSCN2286.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LONNNGGG boats...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OxKAbR_6ick/UDo3TH8Vi-I/AAAAAAAAWM4/EJtAregcO7Y/s1600/DSCN2288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OxKAbR_6ick/UDo3TH8Vi-I/AAAAAAAAWM4/EJtAregcO7Y/s400/DSCN2288.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ancient ways of doing things...this is water trough<br />
that brought water to turn a wheel for grinding grain.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't you love clear directions? That's one of the reasons I so love the scriptures...so clear. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ghq5NWBqPio/UDo3hxvq6KI/AAAAAAAAWQo/OvXmavwjDno/s1600/DSCN2327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ghq5NWBqPio/UDo3hxvq6KI/AAAAAAAAWQo/OvXmavwjDno/s640/DSCN2327.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another LONNNNNNG boat...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CJzarXHp8pQ/UDo3jkpUcPI/AAAAAAAAWRI/A8AQvERTW2Q/s1600/DSCN2331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CJzarXHp8pQ/UDo3jkpUcPI/AAAAAAAAWRI/A8AQvERTW2Q/s400/DSCN2331.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a beautiful old farmhouse preserved so amazingly!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LqsX7dnkHpU/UDo3mOpTrBI/AAAAAAAAWRw/UOEON24UU6Q/s1600/DSCN2336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LqsX7dnkHpU/UDo3mOpTrBI/AAAAAAAAWRw/UOEON24UU6Q/s640/DSCN2336.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old church and churchyard....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old tenant homes...this is where whole families lived when they were tenant farmers. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The farmer lived in this building...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swimmers on this sunny day...cooolllddd water!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back in Helsinki, we watched some military exercises in the plaza near our posti or post office box.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Missionaries made us sugar cookies! Thoughtful and ooohhhh so good!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another yummy Finnish dinner! Amazing food and hospitality!</td></tr>
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Said farewell to fellow senior missionaries that came </div>
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just before us whom we had come to love and appreciate...</div>
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We took a weekend trip to Pietarsaari for a stake conference and a visit to the place where in 1946 President Ezra Taft Benson dedicated the land of Finland for preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ by </div>
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.</div>
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We rode on a train with compartments and sliding doors...<br />
just like Harry Potter on the Hogwarts Express!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SNOOORREE! Grandpa can sleep anywhere!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We ate Chinese...and stayed in a delightfully Finnish Inn.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking to the monument built to commemorate the dedication in Larsmo.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The angel man who helped us get to the monument...<br />
and then told us the story of the rainy day and the umbrella he was<br />
able to hold for President Benson. A special treat for us to hear...</td></tr>
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Chapel were we attended Stake Conference...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful chapel...no matter where you go in the world, it is like coming home every Sunday!</td></tr>
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The baptism we were able to participate in...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely young member who often was our translator!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were able to tour the home of Jean Sibelius which has been preserved by the historical society since his death.<br />
All of the family furniture, dishes, paintings on the walls, piano, etc. are the same that were there when the composer lived there. Photos were not permitted inside...but it was so interesting...especially the kitchen with all its old artifacts and gadgets.</td></tr>
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Okay! This is complete for now...more to come. Love to all! </div>
Gary and Pamela Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08307643252732814073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125431153435959795.post-8707740497015958662012-10-28T13:27:00.001-07:002012-10-28T13:27:10.092-07:00Awk! Samonella and Surgery!<div style="text-align: center;">
Upon returning from our cruise within a week I was in the hospital sicker than I have ever been in my life...diagnosis: Salmonella food poisoning. Each doctor I saw asked, "Have you been traveling?"</div>
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"Yup!"</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was admitted on Tuesday evening <br />
and went home on Thursday evening.<br />
Short stay, but thank goodness for modern medicine!!!!<br />
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Our friend and Sister who helps in the Mission Office fell and broke her hip.<br />
She also had the opportunity to experience the Finnish medical system.<br />
She had surgery and was in the hospital for two weeks.<br />
The first thing she said when the accident happened was,<br />
"I am not going home!" We call her our Iron Lady...<br />
She has recuperated and is doing great!</td></tr>
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Doesn't the saying go like this, "what doesn't kill me, makes me stronger!" We are both stronger!Gary and Pamela Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08307643252732814073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125431153435959795.post-18710046106761321942012-09-30T13:15:00.000-07:002012-09-30T13:15:25.939-07:00BALTIC CRUISE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy travels! We were able to leave our mission for one trip so we packed it full. Our cruise took us for four nights and three days stopping at Stockholm - Sweden, Tallinn - Estonia, and St. Petersburg - Russia. <br />
We boarded our cruise ship at the Helsinki harbor.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our stateroom! Comfortable enough...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gulls flew so close we could reach out and touch one! Hello Jonathon...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of food choices in the dining room.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No going back now...cannot see the shore!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful water and sunset...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We watched the live entertainment the first night. <br />
Great dance team from Russia...no photos allowed.</td></tr>
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We enjoyed this saxophone player, but only stayed one night for the full performance. </div>
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The dancers were amazing, but the music and singers were blaring and too loud. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We woke up in Stockholm, Sweden, our first stop. <br />
Decided to jump on the "Hop On Hop Off" sight seeing bus due to the rainy weather.<br />
Unfortunately, we had rain all three days...we made the best of it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We boarded first so were lucky to get the best seats in the bus! Each of us had headsets for the tour audio...it was great!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Changing of the guard at the King's palace!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now the Hop On Hop Off Boat included in our 'Hop On Hop Off' ticket...Stockholm is multiple islands.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boat took us to the Vasa Museum. The world's only surviving 17th-century ship. On it's maiden voyage it promptly sank in the Stockholm harbor. It has been salvaged. What an amazing process that was to read and see about. Many died on board. The reason for its demise was not enough balast. It was a beautiful ship buried in the mud which perfectly preserved much of it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting in line to get inside...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Model of the salvage operation...fascinating! </td></tr>
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The Savior Jesus Christ is my anchor...what's yours?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Throughout our trip we followed our progress on the ship monitor. We have just arrived in Tallinn, Estonia.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cement pole covered in knitted fabric..unique!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tallinn</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small well kept homes and obviously hard working people.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the highlight of being in Tallinn. We attended church in a small Estonian and Russian branch.<br />
We attended the Estonian meeting with translation provided by the missionaries.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful simple architecture...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a walk back in medieval times.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O12s_u8AxIo/T-7Gg163NwI/AAAAAAAATDU/mNitU1lieco/s1600/DSCN0654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O12s_u8AxIo/T-7Gg163NwI/AAAAAAAATDU/mNitU1lieco/s200/DSCN0654.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had to stand in line for passport<br />
check to enter St. Petersburg.<br />
It took a long time!<br />
That's part of the traveling experience...</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KUJApUkEGh0/T-7GhaIjfrI/AAAAAAAATDg/ENAS7v7wGzo/s1600/DSCN0655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KUJApUkEGh0/T-7GhaIjfrI/AAAAAAAATDg/ENAS7v7wGzo/s320/DSCN0655.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We did the "Hop On Hop Off" Bus again. It was clearer weather most of the day. But, because we had little time, it helped us to see as much as possible. This is St. Isaac's Cathedral and we took a tour here. Amazing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scenes from scriptures in the entranceway.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each door told history of the gospel and its <br />
apostles. The painting to the right and many<br />
others are tiny little squares of mosiac tile.<br />
Precursor to our pixals!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Savior is through the doorway in the inner area. Apostles flank the door on either side and above.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As the history was told on our audio headphones...<br />
we all became emotional because it is truly a miracle<br />
that this building was preserved during the World Wars!<br />
This tour was the highlight of our time in St. Petersburg...</td></tr>
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Many of the buildings in St. Petersburg are in disrepair and just now are undergoing remodeling. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church of the Spilt Blood...A Czar was martyred here.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Military garrison...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shopping mall...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C7aPGDnoq3c/UAuXxVO6_yI/AAAAAAAAUio/QHcHXgFRZIc/s1600/DSCN1748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C7aPGDnoq3c/UAuXxVO6_yI/AAAAAAAAUio/QHcHXgFRZIc/s400/DSCN1748.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Russian National Library...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption">Water crisscrosses the city everywhere. You can take a taxi or a taxi boat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queens palace...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of our most beautiful photos we took of the shoreline while traveling.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we are back in Helsinki!<br />
Whew what a trip...we had a<br />
wonderful time!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This was my hardest blog entry ever. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We took over 900 photos and you have only seen a few of them. Every time I started to do this blog I would get caught up in looking at and enjoying the photos and all the while I have been collecting more photos of more recent experiences. So, I will be posting again soon!</span></div>
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I think I am getting old...no, I know I am. </div>
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Love to all! Hope you enjoyed our trip...</div>
</span>Gary and Pamela Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08307643252732814073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125431153435959795.post-33675910935250842612012-08-05T21:13:00.001-07:002012-08-05T21:13:20.208-07:00Helsinki National History Museum<div style="text-align: center;">
On a beautiful Saturday morning we went to the Helsinki National History Museum. </div>
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It is a large museum and it took about four hours to go through each section.</div>
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The National Museum illustrates Finnish history from ancient times to the present. There are both major archaeological finds and temporary exhibitions. It was a time-trip through the history of Finland. The museum's unique exhibits span a period of over 10,000 years. It was great!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A model of a village home...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was a whole section dedicated to religion...this is a special exhibit.<br />
This wooden hand craved story hung once in a cathedral.<br />
It tells the story of one of the Catholic saints.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bacgammon has been around a long time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">People have always wanted to measure time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lapland ancient hunting tools. Just a hard thump on the head...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoking pipes and musical instruments - all under the description of leisure.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Famous Finnish painting depicting liberty being stolen from Finland by Russia. <br />
Finland is the young girl and Russia is the eagle.<br />
In truth Russia did acquire a large section of Finland after the Winter War.<br />
Even now, years later, Finns are not happy about that!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This begins a VERY SPECIAL part of the museum!This is a dollhouse carved totally out of whalebone.<br />
I have always loved dollhouses. Enjoy the following amazing dollhouses...donated by the king's daughters.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These pictures are of a dollhouse depicting a hospital...it was created by a doctor and given to the sisters.<br />
It lies flat and you look down into each room. The detail is awesome!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HUteIvh76FM/T9TYQBy4HEI/AAAAAAAAQpU/pzinVh-NXlw/s1600/DSCN0300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HUteIvh76FM/T9TYQBy4HEI/AAAAAAAAQpU/pzinVh-NXlw/s200/DSCN0300.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are silhouettes of the two<br />
sisters who donated all the dollhouses in the collection.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A playroom like none other...can you find the teddy bear? How about the Panda?<br />
Can you find the dollhouse in the dollhouse?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a famous section of the museum. The ceilings are painted by a famous painter.<br />
It is in the center of the museum and all sections lead out from here.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A real Finnish kitchen in years gone by...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UDyyVzxxFJA/T9TaasZPplI/AAAAAAAAQuM/jwCs-g4IYwo/s1600/DSCN0352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UDyyVzxxFJA/T9TaasZPplI/AAAAAAAAQuM/jwCs-g4IYwo/s400/DSCN0352.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This contraption is pulled behind horses to prepare the ground for planting.<br />
It pulverized everything in its path and dug up the ground for the seed.<br />
Cool huh?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KO3mvIKwXaU/T9TadkX4e-I/AAAAAAAAQu0/oK6vR1Gm96M/s1600/DSCN0359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KO3mvIKwXaU/T9TadkX4e-I/AAAAAAAAQu0/oK6vR1Gm96M/s640/DSCN0359.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Items made from reindeer.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zb04UdKGgLQ/T9TbprusDuI/AAAAAAAAQwE/uj75EbcRoaM/s1600/DSCN0371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zb04UdKGgLQ/T9TbprusDuI/AAAAAAAAQwE/uj75EbcRoaM/s400/DSCN0371.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More dolls...I liked their native costumes.<br />
Finland is made up of many peoples,<br />
in each area they have their own costumes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZA275Cje8rQ/T9TbtdAb3dI/AAAAAAAAQw4/mQbHs1Zl4V4/s1600/DSCN0382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZA275Cje8rQ/T9TbtdAb3dI/AAAAAAAAQw4/mQbHs1Zl4V4/s640/DSCN0382.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The reindeer pulling the sleighs wear these.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5zJy-XsuRTI/T9TdWEl7Q8I/AAAAAAAAQzY/cscwyYIqZLU/s1600/DSCN0406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5zJy-XsuRTI/T9TdWEl7Q8I/AAAAAAAAQzY/cscwyYIqZLU/s400/DSCN0406.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The more contemporary parts of the museum were as fascinating as the older days.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLKrsRw5y8A/T9TdtTXfohI/AAAAAAAAQ0c/Pz2aFRqJ_Aw/s1600/DSCN0415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLKrsRw5y8A/T9TdtTXfohI/AAAAAAAAQ0c/Pz2aFRqJ_Aw/s640/DSCN0415.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was even a VW and motorcycle that you could ride and drive...<br />
see the road ahead? Drive carefully!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“We must welcome the future, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">remembering that soon it will be the past; </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and we must respect the past, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">remembering that it was once all that was humanly possible”.</span></div>
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George Santayana quotes - American Philosopher, Poet and Humanist</div>Gary and Pamela Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08307643252732814073noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125431153435959795.post-64198382316577686072012-08-02T11:29:00.000-07:002012-08-02T11:29:02.847-07:00Farming, Forest and Flowers<div style="text-align: center;">
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In Finland people can request a small plot of land, for free, </div>
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to plant a garden. It is quite interesting and amazing what some do with their plots. </div>
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It is small scale farming at its best!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SeoK80IK02o/UBO3iZM9B8I/AAAAAAAAU00/U_8XLf2MKiQ/s1600/DSCN1190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SeoK80IK02o/UBO3iZM9B8I/AAAAAAAAU00/U_8XLf2MKiQ/s400/DSCN1190.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A real live Peter Rabbit! These bunnies are huge...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Near our chapel in Haaga is this beautiful rhododendron forest! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Awesome!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">More flower beauties from throughout the city and gardens...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">hope you enjoy the summer in Finland!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">A life without love is like a year without summer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> ~Swedish Proverb</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">TRIVIA:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There are many wonderful Swedish people living in Finland.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Swedish is one of Finland's two national languages.</span></div>Gary and Pamela Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08307643252732814073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125431153435959795.post-51499704664415313472012-08-01T20:56:00.000-07:002012-08-01T20:56:04.952-07:00Helsinki Finland Mission Conference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">Our All Mission Conference was held on 5 June 2012. A conference like it had not been held for
several years. There were 82
missionaries in attendance, traveling from all corners of Finland to be
there. Our Area General Authority came
to inspire and instruct with his beautiful and gracious wife. Upon their arrival at the chapel in Marjoniem,
all missionaries in attendance stood together in reverence and respect. It was
beautiful! Even more impressive was that
the General Authority requested that each missionary file by him and his wife, our
mission president and his wife, and the assistants. Each missionary in attendance was greeted <b>one by one</b>. It reminded us...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">“And now it came to pass that
there were a great </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">multitude gathered</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> together, of the people of Nephi, round about
the temple which was in the land </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Bountiful</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">; and they were marveling and wondering one with
another, and were showing one to another the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">great</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> and marvelous change which had taken place.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7125431153435959795" name="2"> </a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 12.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 65.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">And they were also conversing
about this Jesus Christ, of whom the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">sign</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> had been given concerning his death. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 12.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: 65.2pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">And it came to pass that while
they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">voice</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> as if it came out of heaven; and they cast
their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and
it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and
notwithstanding it being a </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">small</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> voice it did </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">pierce</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> them that did hear to the center, insomuch that
there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did
pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7125431153435959795" name="4"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> And
it came to pass that again they heard the voice, and they </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">understood</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> it not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7125431153435959795" name="5"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> And
again the third time they did hear the voice, and did </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/11?lang=eng"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">open</span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> their ears to hear it; and their eyes were
towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from
whence the sound came.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7125431153435959795" name="6"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> And
behold, the third time they did understand the voice which they heard; and it
said unto them:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7125431153435959795" name="7"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Behold
my </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Beloved Son</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">in</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> whom I am well pleased, in whom I have
glorified my name—hear ye him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7125431153435959795" name="8"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> And
it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards
heaven; and behold, they </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">saw</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> a Man </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">descending</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white
robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the
whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths,
even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel
that had appeared unto them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7125431153435959795" name="9"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> And
it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people,
saying:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7125431153435959795" name="10"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Behold,
I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 12.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7125431153435959795" name="11"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> And
behold, I am the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">light</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> and the life of the world; and I have drunk out
of that bitter </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">cup</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> which the Father hath given me, and have
glorified the Father in </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">taking</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> upon me the sins of the world, in the which I
have suffered the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">will</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> of the Father in all things from the beginning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7125431153435959795" name="12"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> And
it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words the whole multitude </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">fell</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> to the earth; for they remembered that it had
been </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">prophesied</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> among them that Christ should </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">show</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> himself unto them after his ascension into
heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-line-height-alt: 12.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7125431153435959795" name="13"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> And
it came to pass that the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Lord</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> spake unto them saying:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7125431153435959795" name="14"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> Arise
and come forth unto me, that ye may </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">thrust</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> your hands into my side, and also that ye may </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">feel</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> the prints of the nails in my hands and in my
feet, that ye may know that I am the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">God</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> of Israel, and the God of the whole </span><sup><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 8.5pt;">d</span></sup><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">earth</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;">, and have been slain for the sins of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7125431153435959795" name="15"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> And
it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his
side, and </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">did</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> feel the prints of the nails in his hands and
in his feet; and this they did do, going forth <b>one by one</b> until they had all gone forth, and did see with their
eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear
record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should
come.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">3
Nephi 11:1-15</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 65.2pt;">One by one is good!!</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 65.2pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 65.2pt;">It was a very personal and beautiful gesture
by the Area President.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 65.2pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 65.2pt;">We were also part
of the missionary contingent attending so we were greeted in this special
way too.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 65.2pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">It was a full day of inspiring
instruction from our mission president, his wife, the Area President, his wife,
and the Assistants to the President. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">In the middle of our day we prepared lunch for
all. We served Hamburger Vegetable Soup,
salads, and bread with a yummy dessert. We
sent each missionary off to travel back to their apartments with a sack lunch. The
evening meal was catered for all the Finnish church leaders who came for
training in the evening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;">It was a wonderful conference!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3-AlkdgCuww/UALQ4BVOaqI/AAAAAAAATZo/bxV7hYAkffQ/s1600/DSCN0160-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3-AlkdgCuww/UALQ4BVOaqI/AAAAAAAATZo/bxV7hYAkffQ/s400/DSCN0160-001.JPG" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"I've got your back President!"</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Remember it is all about the "one"!</span></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>Gary and Pamela Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08307643252732814073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125431153435959795.post-4368528011410822292012-07-28T02:20:00.001-07:002018-05-30T14:02:40.289-07:00SAIMAA Lake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; text-align: center;">We were invited on a spring adventure to Saimaa Lake by our new Finnish friend!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">It is common for most Finns to have a cottage or "moki" to travel and spend weekend time, holidays, or even extended vacation periods during the good weather months.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">We were so excited!!!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAaNOaJ474pTvaQ99V1kE9enxtmr77pnsEfCgLGCtpOz3OvpV3-oCATdMnVoiZHnia5LzqCr625TwD5Wsukmp-fkLzk7KUBPHxbIyEeFrkW-uJd22r-EJTX1Kl3zuHeX1QdxCM0A1_MLD/s1600/reitit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="550" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAaNOaJ474pTvaQ99V1kE9enxtmr77pnsEfCgLGCtpOz3OvpV3-oCATdMnVoiZHnia5LzqCr625TwD5Wsukmp-fkLzk7KUBPHxbIyEeFrkW-uJd22r-EJTX1Kl3zuHeX1QdxCM0A1_MLD/s320/reitit.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">Saimaa Lake is 30 meters deep at its deepest point. </span></b><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">As you can see it spreads over a very large region.</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://finland.fi/picture_book/saimaa/pictures.html" style="background-color: white;">Beautiful Photos of Lake Saimaa</a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friday evening we traveled by motor boat to the island where the "mokki" or summer cottage was located.<br />
Our new Finnish friend is one of the kindest most generous people we have ever met. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a rainy weekend, but the skies and the lake beauty were amazing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the boat house and dock.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w37GKZzJedE/T-8MJbEiS4I/AAAAAAAATGw/pF9mSEzMQJk/s1600/DSCN0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CrGnwWFEy1I/T-8MInKbP9I/AAAAAAAATGs/MxCTPr-aZ6o/s1600/DSCN0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CrGnwWFEy1I/T-8MInKbP9I/AAAAAAAATGs/MxCTPr-aZ6o/s200/DSCN0035.JPG" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w37GKZzJedE/T-8MJbEiS4I/AAAAAAAATGw/pF9mSEzMQJk/s320/DSCN0036.JPG" width="320" /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T9Gr3uy4Djc/T-8MLfTsM_I/AAAAAAAATHI/5QcFV3zU6L4/s1600/DSCN0039-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T9Gr3uy4Djc/T-8MLfTsM_I/AAAAAAAATHI/5QcFV3zU6L4/s400/DSCN0039-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Built in 1879 by our friend's grandparents.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d--uNOHT0lo/T-8QW4xsW-I/AAAAAAAATNM/d-aTQexTjZI/s1600/DSCN0105-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d--uNOHT0lo/T-8QW4xsW-I/AAAAAAAATNM/d-aTQexTjZI/s400/DSCN0105-001.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the handmade wood pattern in the front door of the cottage.<br />
I especially liked the inside door handle.<br />
It grew that way...what a find! See the numbers carved on the logs below.<br />
The cabin had to be moved to this island, log by log,<br />
so they labeled each log and moved it piece by piece.<br />
Then they put it back together just like "Lincoln logs".<br />
Cool!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the telescope to the left...for birdwatching, of course.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No electricity, running water, or indoor toilets.<br />
This custom built fireplace heated the large livingroom delightfully.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9--bfhCHKZQ/T-62XGS093I/AAAAAAAASTU/lY2vbGm0MTc/s1600/DSCN0895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9--bfhCHKZQ/T-62XGS093I/AAAAAAAASTU/lY2vbGm0MTc/s1600/DSCN0895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9--bfhCHKZQ/T-62XGS093I/AAAAAAAASTU/lY2vbGm0MTc/s320/DSCN0895.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vBZ2zXjC20s/T-62WUPRW1I/AAAAAAAASTM/4BUbwsdXeHM/s1600/DSCN0894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vBZ2zXjC20s/T-62WUPRW1I/AAAAAAAASTM/4BUbwsdXeHM/s200/DSCN0894.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4KzKJQyj3Fk/T-62Qk2NfPI/AAAAAAAASR8/__NvP9SMdBc/s1600/DSCN0883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4KzKJQyj3Fk/T-62Qk2NfPI/AAAAAAAASR8/__NvP9SMdBc/s400/DSCN0883.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the right is a cook stove, but it is also a wood stove.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our accommodations...every room has its own wood stove.<br />
We were cozy comfortable!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Builders of the cottage.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">We had deliciously simple meals of salad, meat, cheeses, bread, and vegetables. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Our host is a wonderful cook. Each meal was unique and wonderful!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PQ859dJK_2Y/T-6xhNJe6wI/AAAAAAAAR58/87S-0TAo8Wc/s1600/DSCN0540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PQ859dJK_2Y/T-6xhNJe6wI/AAAAAAAAR58/87S-0TAo8Wc/s400/DSCN0540.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a rainy Saturday...one of our indoor activities was to work on puzzles together.<br />
Yummy treats were shared...you know, brain food!<br />
These candies are a wonderful marshmallow mousse inside<br />
and covered by dark chocolate. My new favorite!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQjAst2ZxjM/T-6xlJ9rAPI/AAAAAAAAR6M/TTSstdCrNAk/s1600/DSCN0541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YQjAst2ZxjM/T-6xlJ9rAPI/AAAAAAAAR6M/TTSstdCrNAk/s320/DSCN0541.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These puzzles were handmade wood puzzles.<br />
This one is a famous painting and a very intricate puzzle...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victory! Victory! We did it!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-spBAbr9mbX4/T-6xl1aPz1I/AAAAAAAAR6Q/vEzKWOpghPA/s1600/DSCN0542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-spBAbr9mbX4/T-6xl1aPz1I/AAAAAAAAR6Q/vEzKWOpghPA/s320/DSCN0542.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fmTqBqAnEDI/T-6xx47Ec-I/AAAAAAAAR8k/Ozq3CT3NYPs/s1600/DSCN0564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fmTqBqAnEDI/T-6xx47Ec-I/AAAAAAAAR8k/Ozq3CT3NYPs/s320/DSCN0564.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So skillfully handcrafted...I may try my hand at this craft when I get home.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gIfJBjYuvdE/T-6xt5iZTiI/AAAAAAAAR7o/EHjbclxwZlI/s1600/DSCN0556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gIfJBjYuvdE/T-6xt5iZTiI/AAAAAAAAR7o/EHjbclxwZlI/s400/DSCN0556.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our friend's father painted this...he was a well known Finnish painter.<br />
We saw the original when we had dinner at our friend's home.<br />
Beautiful still life...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JNxfgggj0Wo/T-6yHaL1dDI/AAAAAAAAR9Q/MO6ON-Igif0/s1600/DSCN0570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JNxfgggj0Wo/T-6yHaL1dDI/AAAAAAAAR9Q/MO6ON-Igif0/s400/DSCN0570.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a peaceful place for quiet reflection and activities...it was rest and recuperation for us!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dQnt6bv8_uU/T-8QZY-nOPI/AAAAAAAATNs/cz9kJwcU_G8/s1600/DSCN0111-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dQnt6bv8_uU/T-8QZY-nOPI/AAAAAAAATNs/cz9kJwcU_G8/s400/DSCN0111-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a true Finnish "smoke sauna". The fire is built and the sauna is filled with smoke and heat.<br />
Then just before using it, the smoke is released and water is thrown on the stones.<br />
It is much different from the saunas we had been using.<br />
It created sweat unlike anything we had previously experienced.<br />
We then went outside and jumped into Saimaa Lake. WOW! So invigorating! </td></tr>
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Dock where we jumped in!<br />
Small changing room attached to the front of the sauna.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another amazing puzzle...I did this one all by myself. I love doing puzzles!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5S8e__BZ_5E/T-6yRPsJJOI/AAAAAAAAR-w/SGGCdy25Lzs/s1600/DSCN0583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5S8e__BZ_5E/T-6yRPsJJOI/AAAAAAAAR-w/SGGCdy25Lzs/s320/DSCN0583.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandpa being silly and making Grandma laugh! He's been doing that for a long time...<br />
it's one of the best reasons for marrying him. Laughter is good for the soul!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful duck we saw through the telescope sitting on her nest...<br />
it rained all day on Saturday and she faithfully guarded her nest. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aFdHQEghQVI/T-6ymlQHFVI/AAAAAAAASCw/MJK1SBE05aA/s1600/DSCN0625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aFdHQEghQVI/T-6ymlQHFVI/AAAAAAAASCw/MJK1SBE05aA/s400/DSCN0625.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She never traveled far from her nest...here is a photo that shows the beautiful colors of the water and surroundings,</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Sunday we went to church and our friend came with us! He took us back to the shore and we traveled a short distance to Lapeeranta where the chapel was located. While there we went to a small museum and visited an Orthodox Church there. Both were great to see, but the highlight for us was the fast and testimony meeting at the Lapeenranta Branch.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The spirit of love was so strong ...the Holy Spirit surely attended the meeting...</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">A young man bore his testimony of the power of prayer in providing strength to face the challenges of the world. An old man bore his testimony of how the missionaries visited him forty years before, the day after he prayed with all his heart for help from God. It was a lovely building and the spirit present made an impression on my heart.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rghMBl-0Ua0/T-6lSy3SXcI/AAAAAAAARuU/nULiXXQhQCQ/s1600/DSCN2723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rghMBl-0Ua0/T-6lSy3SXcI/AAAAAAAARuU/nULiXXQhQCQ/s400/DSCN2723.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was special exhibit of this man's photography of Finland...an amazing talent.<br />
The photos were of the typical everyday Finland...<br />
we enjoyed his work very much.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We didn't take a ride on the city tour.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fields and fields of this plant which is one of Finland's staple oils...not soy. We don't have it in USA.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An intricately handmade Finnish fence...those clever Finns!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical Finnish home and yard.</td></tr>
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Old gnarly tree...unusual! Water slide...Lapeerenta is a tourist spot in the summer months. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical Finnish farm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water, water, everywhere!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After church we came back to the island, packed a lunch, and set out for a rowboat ride around the island.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This man is so knowledgeable and answered every<br />
question with patience and thoroughness.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea gulls dive bombing us because<br />
we rowed to close to their nests on a rock. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back at the moki...</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Power cleaning the gutters...human power...stick has a special hook on the end...</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our toilet...out house.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Flowers around the mooki...</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">using the "macro" setting on our camera.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g7pV0jPeS30/T-62E0wIQPI/AAAAAAAASPs/U4QPVeXVKx8/s1600/DSCN0858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g7pV0jPeS30/T-62E0wIQPI/AAAAAAAASPs/U4QPVeXVKx8/s400/DSCN0858.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to go...(sigh!)</td></tr>
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Final stop...beautiful statue in Lapeeranta depicting a famous storm that struck Saimaa Lake.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">Riding home a full moon...picture doesn't do it justice. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">What a fabulous Finland adventure!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Thank you Lord for these memorable moments...</span> </div>
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Gary and Pamela Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08307643252732814073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125431153435959795.post-512101248285845592012-07-08T10:50:00.001-07:002012-07-08T10:50:21.559-07:00Our "VAPPU" Day<br />
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Here in Finland May 1st is an important day. No one works! It is a national day off. Here are some facts:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Finnish name for May Day, "Vappu", originates from Catholic St. Walpurgis, who's commemoration day was celebrated on the 1st of May. In Central-Europe, this day has been celebrated as a festival of spring since medieval times. The first May Day festivities in Finland started in parsonages and upper-class families in the 1700's. At that time people celebrated the day by going horse riding enjoying the greenery of spring, and held "Mead" parties at home together with friends and family. The Finnish May Day celebration, as it is nowadays, was started by secondary school graduates in the 1800's. Even back then the festival was a time of rejoicing and very "Damp" students. Student caps might have been worn from 1st of May until the end of September, but nowadays students and past students wear it on the eve of May Day and on the actual day. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">In Finland May Day celebrations begin on May Day Eve. In Helsinki the statue "Havis Amanda" (pictured above), which lies near to the Helsinki market square, receives her white student's cap at six o'clock, at the same time as people put their caps on. This has been a tradition since 1932. Similar ceremonies take place in cities all around Finland, with different statues being "capped". The celebrations have begun and soon a carnival like atmosphere spreads among the normally quiet and reserved Finns, who enthusiastically chat and raise their glasses together with persons they have never met before. May Day markets are full of knick-knacks, serpentines, flowers, whistles, May Day whisks, balloons and masks for children and childlike adults. Sparkling wines flow and there is spring in the air, and what does it matter if it is snowing, as it sometimes still does at the end of April. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">The next day people head for parks to have picnics together with friends and family and brunches served in restaurants are also popular meeting points. Traditional May Day delicacies are fritters called "tippaleipä" and they are served together with homemade mead, "sima".</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-small;">This is the traditional information about VAPPU Day! You can see photos of this celebration at the end of the blog.</span><br />
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However, now I would like to share photos of our special VAPPU Day...we went on a bird watching adventure with our new Finnish friend who is an active bird watcher. We hiked 2km in to a commonly used bird watching area and it was well worth it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonder who lived here once...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6hJCAg0lV9A/T7YnY0gcUqI/AAAAAAAAPos/QduXurSG86c/s1600/DSCF4524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6hJCAg0lV9A/T7YnY0gcUqI/AAAAAAAAPos/QduXurSG86c/s400/DSCF4524.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seeing the beautiful birds through a power telescope of 80x was amazing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3rLr3mQUFDA/T7cfNeCoQtI/AAAAAAAAQLM/Nu8duwp9vwU/s1600/DSCN2585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3rLr3mQUFDA/T7cfNeCoQtI/AAAAAAAAQLM/Nu8duwp9vwU/s320/DSCN2585.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Binoculars made it fun too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UTMnCYtQYOI/T7Ynlu2PtGI/AAAAAAAAPps/3j5sWJ6w5cI/s1600/DSCF4532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UTMnCYtQYOI/T7Ynlu2PtGI/AAAAAAAAPps/3j5sWJ6w5cI/s640/DSCF4532.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thousands and thousands of birds migrate through this area making it an ever changing scene.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw more than birds...summer cottages, lighthouses and boats too.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prettiest picture of the day!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our friend even brought us homemade mead...not fermented yet of course.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the office sisters came along too and we all enjoyed the day together!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time for a back crack!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unexpected wildlife!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x1JTOP7SJ38/T7cv3GTnAYI/AAAAAAAAQU4/pPMXiG4pvPI/s1600/IMG_1373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x1JTOP7SJ38/T7cv3GTnAYI/AAAAAAAAQU4/pPMXiG4pvPI/s640/IMG_1373.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the oldest rocks known to man...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off to a new location.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W0PNDITfZKM/T7cx20TbfQI/AAAAAAAAQXw/-MDSEczVDZQ/s1600/IMG_1396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W0PNDITfZKM/T7cx20TbfQI/AAAAAAAAQXw/-MDSEczVDZQ/s400/IMG_1396.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird watching towers are seen from the highways all over Finland.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GqZkmRQrkbU/T7Yp45jwFAI/AAAAAAAAPyI/dHiDNfky-wA/s1600/DSCF4609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="356" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GqZkmRQrkbU/T7Yp45jwFAI/AAAAAAAAPyI/dHiDNfky-wA/s640/DSCF4609.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our cameras don't capture the beauty of the birds or the landscape like the binoculars or telescope.</td></tr>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white;">"Each moment of the year has </span>its own beauty."<br /> - Ralph Waldo Emerson<br /> </blockquote>
While we were having a day spent with nature a much different event was going on downtown Helsinki. Here are a few photos shared with us by a friend.<br />
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Ballon bouquets everywhere!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graduates wear pants and patches from their respective high schools.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4QVlc-uWbRU/T7YwKr3g7mI/AAAAAAAAQCc/oYfPwJtlgu0/s1600/DSCF4423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4QVlc-uWbRU/T7YwKr3g7mI/AAAAAAAAQCc/oYfPwJtlgu0/s320/DSCF4423.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More pants and patches...<br />Students graduating will party downtown all night!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M5i1VAaM3jc/T7YwyT4tMiI/AAAAAAAAQGA/zz-DFk8J42M/s1600/DSCF4452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M5i1VAaM3jc/T7YwyT4tMiI/AAAAAAAAQGA/zz-DFk8J42M/s400/DSCF4452.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Movable statues...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebration on a massive scale! <br />Earlier in the winter-spring graduates load into the snow dump trucks <br />and travel through Helsinki cheering and waving!<br />The Finnish people value education very much...people come from all over the world <br />to take advantage of the educational opportunities offered to all who come.<br /><br /><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7066/6892897049_5b8205cd42_z.jpg" />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5nDGwRuVE7P_Nd7iwQSzGyzJaNWKDRy2Q3KNUsreZCnigIknms0OcJTYir151jiXQ8q4cuAF9-k6AfUI3A3VXEwP_E-mwUn347GMl_Mz6rfcx0NCeK_aqDWoJU2lica94EqedSAt-t8/s400/May+Day++Vappua+010.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The patches tell of their clubs and achievements...pant color designates the high school.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGm2AIwxxDpI13R5VBU0DLFO5PwBxGHrqHXwAtaj2N7xp1LPJYNNXPvbtz8Dd0JXIZTqYz3YBhWikoXXAZBBQpCViY2h-6Mf8W7wdrUTzAagWuh8pdUG0WPyrYesxiiVqkelEdsLyTjaM/s640/May+Day+016.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hats everywhere!!! Both graduates and alumni come wearing them for the celebration.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of drinking and more drinking...interesting facilities to take care of the large numbers of people.<br />There were porta-potties for the ladies, thank goodness!</td></tr>
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To complete this blog entry I would like to share some fun photos of Helsinki architecture. We so love what they do with their doorways...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you tell this is a military building?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the squirrels?</td></tr>
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Until next time...<br />Gary and Pamela Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08307643252732814073noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125431153435959795.post-35365489976353203932012-05-02T06:26:00.002-07:002012-05-12T11:04:16.133-07:00SPRING HAS SPRUNG!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Finland spring has arrived! </span></div>
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There was a deluge of rain for much of the month of March and into April. "Merry Christmas" was our greeting on those few mornings the rain turned to snow when the temperatures were still quite cold. Beautiful flowers adorn the earth no matter what country or clime. Thank goodness...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Golf courses are looking beautiful! We have had fun "Golf Course Hopping" this Easter.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">April seemed to just disappear! We enjoyed <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2012/04?lang=eng">General Conference</a> so much. We are so blessed to live in this technological time. Listening to each talk was uplifting and inspiring. We were able to watch each session on our computer except the priesthood session which Grandpa Finland viewed at the Hagaa Chapel with the brethren. </span></div>
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Easter was a special time here with sights to see and Finnish traditions to observe.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5uhlav7Sb0/T54lP0onHbI/AAAAAAAAPig/nm71b733t4o/s1600/Easter_Witches3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5uhlav7Sb0/T54lP0onHbI/AAAAAAAAPig/nm71b733t4o/s400/Easter_Witches3.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Finland the children dress up in "witches costumes" and go door to door with the switches they create like in the basket above. They knock on doors and share a poem as they gently strike the listener with the switch. A poem like the one below is spoken. Often the children help to write a poem specifically for family and friends. </td></tr>
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I am touching you with this willow twig,</div>
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to make the head of the house</div>
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loved and rich.</div>
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For a week’s debt,</div>
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a year of freedom,</div>
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a branch for you,</div>
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and some price for me,</div>
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do you give eggs, or money!</div>
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for us sweet children. </div>
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This tradition takes place during the Holy Week. Children decorate their willow branches to represent the palms thrown under Jesus legs when he entered Jerusalem. These branches are to scare away the evil spirits or bad luck. In their witches costumes they go from house to house gifting the willow branches and telling the “Virpomis” poem to wish a good coming year. In return they receive painted or chocolate eggs or sometimes money. Recently some of the young boys have been seen wearing Harry Potter Costumes. Something like the one below... the idea of good witches and wizards has been around a long time.<br />
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Speaking again of children, on Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, we attended a beautiful Choir Performance in the National Cathedral. The performance was done by young boys from the ages of about seven years old up to seventeen and what amazing voices they had! The youngest to the oldest singing out with all their hearts and voice! The concert performance was "St. Matthew Passion" by Johann Sebastian Bach. The texts of these are based on the account of the death of Jesus according to the gospels of Saint John and Saint Matthew. We then went to the square outside the Cathedral and viewed the "Via Crucis – Way of the Cross" passion play. It started at Kaisaniemi Park (trial of Jesus) and the procession walks several blocks and culminates at the stairs of the Central Cathedral on the Senate Square.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Square below the Cathedral where we stood to view the play.<br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">There were about 14 thousand spectators this year...</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The angel is singing a song that pierces the soul.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The four people on the left are singing the story. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here the President of Finland came to assist the Savior in carrying the cross<br />
...a symbol of his own desire to serve Finland.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was incredible!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">Of course, not as incredible as the actual event 2012 years ago...our hearts were filled with gratitude for the Savior for His sacrifice and love for the redemption of mankind, including us and each of you. He has risen!</span><br />
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Shortly after Easter we had the news that our new office is a NO-GO! Yup, still looking but the space #1 and then #2 were both rented before the church acted. So, we continue to commute each day...We are content with the office we are in and know that in due time a new office will be found. On 18 April we celebrated our half way point in our mission! We are so excited that we will be coming home before Christmas due to the love and consideration of a wonderful mission President.</div>
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For seven months we have been taking not so hot showers. We were unaware until recently that there was a small button that would make your water hotter or the pressure more. Those clever Finns! We think it would have been nice to have known this information. I wish you could have heard your Grandfather taking his first "HOT" shower in Finland after all this time! We were lucky the neighbors didn't call the police to investigate the "Ohhhhs" and "Ahhhhhs".</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the little gray button! It looks like just a decorative part of the faucet. Right?! <br />
We can hear you all laughing all the way over the ocean...awk!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember our guess as to what was being built in front of our apartment? <br />
I was hoping for the swimming pool..<br />
.Here is the completed trash shed in front of our apartment! <br />
Created specifically for recycling.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We watched ANOTHER sports event that we had never seen before.<br />
It is called "Ringette" and is usually played by young girls. <br />
It requires an unbelievable amount of skating skill and coordination. <br />
We were in awe! The sport has come to Finland originating in Canada. <br />
Here is a video explaining the sport.<br />
<a href="http://ringette.cansportlive2.com/">"What is Ringette?"</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H0AevjZH_9g/T4m4X5lfchI/AAAAAAAAPM4/loIss5X4Q7o/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="475" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H0AevjZH_9g/T4m4X5lfchI/AAAAAAAAPM4/loIss5X4Q7o/s640/004.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Sister Airto, front and center, received her official call letter from President Monson. <br />
She has served for one year as a volunteer and is now a full-fledged missionary for another <br />
23 months. She is invaluable in all she does in the office. We could not do the job without her!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To all the cribbage players out there! Check this historical hand out...<br />
One hand is the hand and the other is the crib.<br />
Grandpa came one hole from a skunk during this game.<br />
Grandma's cards were on fire...she won!<br />
(Spencer can you figure the points out?) </td></tr>
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Here are some more photos of Helsinki! <br />
Notice the beautiful carvings around the doors. Enjoy!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">We wanted to share with you this photo and make an analogy if you will.</span><br />
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This was one of the beautiful towering pines behind our apartment. As you can see its root system was not sufficient to sustain it through the winter and spring weather storms. We were sad to see it go down. It is difficult to grow deep roots here in Finland just as it is difficult while living in the world to develop the strength necessary to live the gospel of Jesus Christ and endure to the end.</div>
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President Eyring says it so well:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"My purpose today is to describe what I know of how we can lay that unshakable foundation. I do it with great humility for two reasons. First, what I say could discourage some who are struggling in the midst of great adversity and feel their foundation of faith is crumbling. And second, I know that ever-greater tests lie before me before the end of life. Therefore, the prescription I offer you has yet to be proven in my own life through enduring to the end.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As a young man I worked with a contractor building footings and foundations for new houses. In the summer heat it was hard work to prepare the ground for the form into which we poured the cement for the footing. There were no machines. We used a pick and a shovel. Building lasting foundations for buildings was hard work in those days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It also required patience. After we poured the footing, we waited for it to cure. Much as we wanted to keep the jobs moving, we also waited after the pour of the foundation before we took away the forms.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And even more impressive to a novice builder was what seemed to be a tedious and time-consuming process to put metal bars carefully inside the forms to give the finished foundation strength.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In a similar way, the ground must be carefully prepared for our foundation of faith to withstand the storms that will come into every life. That solid basis for a foundation of faith is personal integrity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our choosing the right consistently whenever the choice is placed before us creates the solid ground under our faith. It can begin in childhood since every soul is born with the free gift of the Spirit of Christ. With that Spirit we can know when we have done what is right before God and when we have done wrong in His sight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Those choices, hundreds in most days, prepare the solid ground on which our edifice of faith is built. The metal framework around which the substance of our faith is poured is the gospel of Jesus Christ, with all its covenants, ordinances, and principles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the keys to an enduring faith is to judge correctly the curing time required. ...</span><span style="font-size: large;">That curing does not come automatically through the passage of time, but it does take time. Getting older does not do it alone. It is serving God and others persistently with full heart and soul that turns testimony of truth into unbreakable spiritual strength."</span></div>
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"Mountains To Climb", May 2012<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">May you <span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Choose The Right</span></span> every day! <span style="background-color: blue;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">CTR</span></span>!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">We love you all so very much forever...</span><br />
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PS...<br />
Everyday Grandpa Finland goes to the Postie mailbox and picks up the mail for all the missionaries and the office business. I took these photos especially so I could say,"Mail is never there for us!", but ON THAT VERY DAY a wonderful package came for us from a loving grandchild. It brought us so much joy! <br />
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Have you sent us a letter yet? Did you know all missionaries (and grandparents) love mail?!<br />
As President Spencer W. Kimball said, "Do it!" We miss you...<br />
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Cribbage hand points = 39 Wow! What a hand...</div>
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</div>Gary and Pamela Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08307643252732814073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125431153435959795.post-80604244438445857122012-03-11T14:55:00.001-07:002012-03-18T08:02:32.219-07:00Snow, Snow, Snow....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Snow, snow, snow...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9yp0uK19utE/T1zyKKRsETI/AAAAAAAAO0U/7ScCyyM5JNc/s1600/finland+winter+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9yp0uK19utE/T1zyKKRsETI/AAAAAAAAO0U/7ScCyyM5JNc/s400/finland+winter+012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Truck loads of snow!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IlcTImKV2qM/T1KF7RssQdI/AAAAAAAAOyo/At0evUdqUxM/s1600/Sledding+%2526+Snow+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="475" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IlcTImKV2qM/T1KF7RssQdI/AAAAAAAAOyo/At0evUdqUxM/s640/Sledding+%2526+Snow+016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have had lots and lots of snow in February. In an average year like this one 20,000 truckloads of snow are dumped into the sea. These are huge trucks and I wish you could see the amazing way the streets are cleared here in Helsinki.<br />
The Finns know how to move the snow!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All day a tugboat like this one goes around in circles in the harbor churning the sea so it won't freeze again and the current pulls the snow away from shore and into the sea.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another constant in Helsinki!<br />
Every day we have seen men in harness on top of business building roofs shoveling the snow off.<br />
The sidewalks below are barricaded off to protect pedestrians. <br />
There have been deaths from this heavy snow falling off the roofs on to people.</td></tr>
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We have had such a busy month! Let me share the highlights:<br />
<ul>
<li>Hockey Game</li>
<li>Passionata</li>
<li>Senior Conference</li>
<li>Birthday Party</li>
<li>New Office</li>
<li>Northern Lights</li>
<li>Sauna</li>
<li>Indomitable Soles</li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Hartwall Arena!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mario Lemieux's jersey on display at Hartwall area.<br />
It brought a smile to this Pittsburgh Penguin fan's face.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hartwall again, but transformed for the amazing dancing horses.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday treat...horse show Passionata!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_YmhHKkQf_8/T10LsBSCjKI/AAAAAAAAO1k/TtF4ag_yGYo/s1600/IMG_1186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_YmhHKkQf_8/T10LsBSCjKI/AAAAAAAAO1k/TtF4ag_yGYo/s400/IMG_1186.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friends who joined us!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ptHcbfJgMCs/T2X1QmH_ZcI/AAAAAAAAO7o/94oA14Ov2EY/s1600/Horse+show%252C+Churches+%2526+Seniors+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="423" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ptHcbfJgMCs/T2X1QmH_ZcI/AAAAAAAAO7o/94oA14Ov2EY/s640/Horse+show%252C+Churches+%2526+Seniors+038.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This trainer and horses were amazing! See the horse coming in the back? Before he was done he had twelve horses with him six on each side...in perfect formation, no halters, and obeying his every command. They would even back into the line if they went out to far. He joked with one who shook his head "no" that he didn't want to get into line. Then after a few moments, just got into line. They did different tricks in perfect formation.<br />
It was beautiful!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mbAd8y4ROJw/T2X1RkVye6I/AAAAAAAAO7k/tysgur0pHTY/s1600/Horse+show%252C+Churches+%2526+Seniors+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mbAd8y4ROJw/T2X1RkVye6I/AAAAAAAAO7k/tysgur0pHTY/s400/Horse+show%252C+Churches+%2526+Seniors+040.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is a story told during the show and all of these horses can do amazing things. They dance to the music!<br />
The lighting was not the best for taking photos...I was so enthralled I didn't take any.<br />
Bought the DVD so we can watch it together.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">SENIOR CONFERENCE</span></b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A spiritual highlight of the month was the Senior Conference. Two couples on the back row right side are guests.<br />
One came from Sweden and one from Germany to train and teach us about the Centers for Young Adults.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opera House Tour</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful building with winding staircases.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where the sets are built...huge undertaking.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seats for 1400 people.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Music Pit.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scary props?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kIdDevLcLco/T1JVhnxbLkI/AAAAAAAAOmU/YuKWvcjxy68/s1600/DSCN2189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kIdDevLcLco/T1JVhnxbLkI/AAAAAAAAOmU/YuKWvcjxy68/s320/DSCN2189.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our lovely tour guide holding a food prop pizza...yum!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Costumes, costumes and more costumes...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing sewing department...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thousands of colors of thread...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rVWGGYhLYyI/T1JXiLhYSWI/AAAAAAAAOps/Oq_xv0_rAlM/s1600/DSCN2215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rVWGGYhLYyI/T1JXiLhYSWI/AAAAAAAAOps/Oq_xv0_rAlM/s320/DSCN2215.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boxes and boxes of fabric...a seamstress heaven.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kJETwWkmM9Q/T1JXORoTH0I/AAAAAAAAOpc/1a2u1u9Mrtw/s1600/DSCN2213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kJETwWkmM9Q/T1JXORoTH0I/AAAAAAAAOpc/1a2u1u9Mrtw/s200/DSCN2213.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These drawers have only buttons and trims...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hat shop...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HaFLixDQY68/T1JZ6tqHEKI/AAAAAAAAOtU/gAQkd2nPonQ/s1600/DSCN2244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HaFLixDQY68/T1JZ6tqHEKI/AAAAAAAAOtU/gAQkd2nPonQ/s640/DSCN2244.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We could be queen and king in these beautiful costumes on display!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We also attended the Helsinki Music Center and listened to the Helsinki Symphony.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was so amazing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kt0eTdA1OQ0/T1JtSb6D9UI/AAAAAAAAO0s/ONlnUNxu-4A/s1600/DSCN2270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kt0eTdA1OQ0/T1JtSb6D9UI/AAAAAAAAO0s/ONlnUNxu-4A/s640/DSCN2270.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So amazing in fact that Grandpa Finland said afterwards, "I am so glad I was able to experience that before I died! If I had the choice of Super Bowl tickets and attending the Symphony again...I would choose the Symphony!"<br />
Believe it!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We came away from this Senior Conference inspired and prepared. We were taught a most wonderful concept entitled, "Invitation to Prayer". You can try it yourself. Here's how it works...when you have Family Home Evening, go home teaching or visiting teaching ask in the family or those you are visiting if there is anyone special that you could pray for. Ask them to be specific. Write down these names and what their needs are...promise to pray for them and then do it! This is helping our missionaries tremendously here in Finland. They no longer do much tracting...they follow up with their investigators about these individuals who needed prayers. Very often it leads to the missionaries being able to teach those they have been praying for. For example, one man asked the Elders to pray for his brother who was very ill...they did so faithfully. The brother became well almost immediately and sought out the missionaries to say thank you and he asked them to teach him. Try it...you will be amazed at the spirit of love that is found in the simple act of praying for those others are concerned about.</span></div>
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For several weeks we have also dealt with a ferocious flu bug going around. Grandma Finland had it first...yucky weekend and missed a day at the office. Then Grandpa Finland got it! Ugh! Terrible weekend, missed church and a day at the office. We are both feeling better, but it was not fun! </div>
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Fever, chills, all the classic flu symptoms...thank goodness for Tylenol!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandpa wants to build this when we get home...anyone want to help?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have had missionaries come and missionaries go....<br />
Since our last blog we have done many lunches for trainings. <br />
We have opened apartments and closed apartments...<br />
it has been busy, busy keeping up with office responsibilities.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma Pamela's birthday dinner!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Change week...new assistant to the President.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Special missionaries that left our area...</td></tr>
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Our move to the new office is in the works! How long before it happens or even if it happens is still unsure. But, here is a photo of what it looks like on the outside. We are still hoping....<br />
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<a href="http://www.firstpost.com/topic/place/finland-unbelievable-northern-lights-solar-storm-march-8-2012-video-mr2Ne8x5OxA-109-1.html">March 8,2012 Northern Lights display...so beautiful!</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/50/Sauna_2.jpg/250px-Sauna_2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="207" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We love the sauna!<br />
Now we go twice a week...<br />
the new one opened in our apartment complex and we signed up for Wednesday evenings.<br />
We also go to sauna after our workout and swim on Saturday mornings...it is heavenly!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Okay, time to wrap up this post...one final favor....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Please, if you have not done so already...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Check out this link...<a href="http://indomitablesoles.com/">Indomitable Soles</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> To all our dear friends and family who have already visited, we say thank you, thank you! Your support means so much!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We love you and may God bless you and yours...</span><br />
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<br /></div>Gary and Pamela Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08307643252732814073noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125431153435959795.post-72963746131189280592012-01-16T11:26:00.000-08:002012-02-03T22:50:59.994-08:00January 2012 We have now been on our mission for six months. On the 18th of January, in three days, we will have the anniversary of our release date, 18th January 2013. It is amazing that we have completed a third of our mission. We have learned much about ourselves, about the gospel and about this world in which we live. One of our leaders has given us advise to memorize scriptures. He says, "They can become stalwart friends that are not limited by geography or calendar." I want and need stalwart friends, so I have begun to put it to the test. This scripture is the one I am working on:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Wherefore, press forward with a steadfastness in Christ,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">having a perfect brightness of hope, a love of God and of all men. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Wherefore, if you shall press forward, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">feasting upon the word of Christ and endure until the end, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">behold thus saith the Father: ye shall have eternal life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and there is none other way nor name given under heaven</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">which is one God, without end. Amen" 2 Nephi 31:20-21</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Already this new friend speaks to me on a regular basis as I put every word to memory!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/the-power-of-scripture?lang=eng&query=power+scripture+g.+(name%3a%22Richard+G.+Scott%22)">The Power of Scripture</a></span></div>
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The week of Christmas week we were so busy! We attended and served dinner at three zone conferences at three different locations in Finland. We feasted upon the holy spirit that was in abundance at each conference. Each conference was unique, as unique as the young zone leaders who conducted. </div>
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Our trip to Rovaniemi was by night train...that's where we met Santa Claus.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the first leg of the trip...we had to drop off our car so it would also be on the train with us....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas tree in the train station.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone packed and ready to go...</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vjKqSyeHXyI/TxMbkf9kPgI/AAAAAAAANmc/oIcfHVc9lvk/s1600/IMG_0856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vjKqSyeHXyI/TxMbkf9kPgI/AAAAAAAANmc/oIcfHVc9lvk/s200/IMG_0856.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ALL ABOARD!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the train...this is our hall.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandpa took the top bunk.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A miniature bathroom...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rUmXW93c3aM/TxMbrTv0RnI/AAAAAAAANnA/qR2epkliux8/s1600/IMG_0869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rUmXW93c3aM/TxMbrTv0RnI/AAAAAAAANnA/qR2epkliux8/s320/IMG_0869.JPG" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Push a button and look again...A shower!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our neighbors...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone is headed to the zone conference by train...Two of the north zone marvelous missionaries!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uvCuW93gEAo/TxMcyENjUWI/AAAAAAAANnc/ZWHPs9CzHfg/s1600/IMG_0978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uvCuW93gEAo/TxMcyENjUWI/AAAAAAAANnc/ZWHPs9CzHfg/s200/IMG_0978.JPG" width="148" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She liked it too...</td></tr>
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I liked the train ride...quiet and smooth...fast too!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When we arrived in Rovaniemi, Santa Claus town, it was snowing, of course!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picking up the car...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A happy bunch...ready to serve!</td></tr>
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The Rovaniemi Ward meets in a rented building and the missionaries apartment is attached. We served our buffet dinner on the ping pong table and took all the classroom tables into the chapel for the seating for all. I think we take our big chapels for granted. We are blessed!</div>
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Here are some additional photos we took when we visited Santa Claus village.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D41O5Ge2dao/TxMsBYQR1JI/AAAAAAAANs8/M-eDFhtQ3Sk/s1600/IMG_0953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D41O5Ge2dao/TxMsBYQR1JI/AAAAAAAANs8/M-eDFhtQ3Sk/s320/IMG_0953.JPG" width="238" /></a> Real reindeer...I think he thinks he's hiding.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the only connection to the Savior in the whole village tucked inside this fur teepee. <br />
There are no nativities on display anywhere, not even in Helsinki. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went to downtown Rovaniemi where they had a Christmas Fair set up on their plaza.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reindeeer Sheds for sale!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were several ice sculptures in the making...</td></tr>
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Our next trip was to Tampere. From Helsinki it was a two hour trip by car. A beautiful city with an amazingly beautiful chapel! There is a story to be told about their beautiful chapel...a link for you.<br />
<a href="http://www.church-of-jesus-christ.ie/news/article-view/archive/2011/january/article/out-of-the-ashes-a-new-chapel-arises/">Out of the Ashes a New Chapel Arises</a><br />
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Final Conference on the 23rd was in Helsinki at the Marjoniemi Chapel.<br />
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Christmas Eve we had a wonderful evening at the apartment of another senior couple serving in Helsinki in the Center for Young Adults here. The pork roast and salmon were cooked to perfection. We played a fun game about Christmas and it was a great way to be together trying not to miss our families to much and anticipating Christmas day Skype to our children and grandchildren.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They served warm Klogi which is a combination<br />
of berrie juices, like we would drink warm cider.</td></tr>
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We had a full apartment on Christmas Day after church. We served spaghetti, salad and garlic bread! Ha...we were hammed out from the three zone conferences. No one seemed to mind...we had four young people from Tanzania and one from China. Four new converts and one to be baptized the following weekend. They sang Tanzanian Christian Christmas songs for us. We watched the new Bible videos found at <a href="http://lds.org/bible-videos?lang=eng">Bible Videos</a> which brought such a beautiful spirit to our gathering.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely couple from our ward who attended<br />
the baptism. He is Swedish, learning Finnish<br />
and English. She is Finnish, learning Swedish and<br />
English. This is truly an international country!</td></tr>
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These are our new friends from Tanzania who came to dinner Christmas day and then the following Saturday, this young women above was baptized. Her husband, his brother (who does rap music in videos in Tanzania), and two other convert friends were all there to witness the baptism. Her brother-in-law who is a recent convert, said the closing prayer in Tanzanian...amazing and very powerful. <br />
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It was a good day! One more joined the army of the Lord.</div>
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These are beautiful flowers we bought for Christmas!<br />
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A late Christmas gift we received was learning that our youngest daughter was to have another child! For us this will be grand-baby number twenty! She is due in July...oh, that will be hard for us not to be there then. We will be so very grateful for the technology we enjoy in our world today!</div>
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A fun thing that we were able to do was go to the Fazer Chocolate Factory with our Helsinki District. It was so fun! We had a lovely guide who taught us all about the history and how the products were made. We did not know that our favorite bread here in Finland was made by Fazer. Never noticed!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the countries Fazer products are shipped to.</td></tr>
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To begin our tour we had a movie presentation telling the history of the Fazer Chocolate Factory.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our favorite Finnish bread is manufactured at Fazer.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-leR2nN9qEAM/Tw-buy5XozI/AAAAAAAANYM/PeQS-qAnYqE/s1600/IMG_1128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-leR2nN9qEAM/Tw-buy5XozI/AAAAAAAANYM/PeQS-qAnYqE/s320/IMG_1128.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Takes thousands of gallons of milk to make their "milk" chocolate...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our favorites...they do great dark chocolate!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We sampled so many chocolates Grandma got sick...Awk!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just kidding...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big copper pots they used to make<br />
their candies in.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yf31rGkszBo/Tw-eV3l_FsI/AAAAAAAANZU/ezG5LljZoJk/s1600/IMG_1156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="423" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yf31rGkszBo/Tw-eV3l_FsI/AAAAAAAANZU/ezG5LljZoJk/s640/IMG_1156.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful mural depicting the gathering of the cacao beans.</td></tr>
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We took a Saturday trip to Suomenlinna...not for a tour this time, but took a few photos anyway. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas lights in every window where the King resides when he is in Helsinki.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the fence around the famous church...they made good use of the canons.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Finnish sister lives here...used to house the elite soldiers and their families.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was on display in a small gallery...it is made of straw.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to board the ferry back to Helsinki! Can you see the moon in the photo below?<br />
We were leaving the island about 3:00pm and it was beginning to get dark already.</td></tr>
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We went to do a bit of service for our Finnish sister who works in our office with us. She moved into a new apartment on the island and the movers just brought things in and just put them wherever. That was six months ago and she hasn't been able to rearrange it. So we went and had a fun filled day of rearranging! That same weekend on Sunday we again went to the home of our friends from the Haaga Ward (who stayed in our Kanab home) for a great dinner...they are such caring and wonderful friends. </div>
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We now have snow in Helsinki...no, now we don't...yes, we have snow...no we don't! That's how it has been. We get a good snowstorm and it is here for a day or so, then the temperatures rise and we have rain, melting all the snow. Our temperatures have fluctuated between 15 degrees below celsius to several degrees above zero. Unusual weather, we are told, for Helsinki...<br />
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Here are few photos of the "Cinderella Windows" in downtown Helsinki...our favorite!<br />
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We have some events coming up that we are looking forward to. A Seniors Conference is in the works for all the seniors serving here in the mission...six couples and two senior sisters. It is going to be another spiritual feast, we are sure! <br />
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We are going to go to see the <a href="http://www.apassionata.com/fi?gclid=CKDQ1JrM0q0CFYkumAodjnEvmw">"Together Forever"</a> horse show. Please follow the link to check it out. It is with amazing horses...guess who spearheaded that venture? Also, we are going to attend a hockey game with the sisters and our friends. These diversions are really appreciated...we are still waiting with anticipation to learn if and when the office may move to new space. Say a prayer, will you?<br />
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Love you all so much! Here's another link that our son-in-law sent us that we thought was great...it exemplifies how it is in the office on some days...thankfully only a few. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=FrTbnczYAd4&feature=player_embedded">Ormie</a><br />
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I asked Grandpa what his scripture was that he was working on memorizing and he said...Daaaa? I can't remember....(Grandpa needs more fish oil!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oEWp3c98DgQ/Tw-VtM4JGiI/AAAAAAAANVw/kizDu0GpF-k/s1600/IMG_1076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oEWp3c98DgQ/Tw-VtM4JGiI/AAAAAAAANVw/kizDu0GpF-k/s640/IMG_1076.JPG" width="421" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's your crazy Grandpa! Isn't he the best?!</td></tr>
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All kidding aside, he is working on a beautiful scripture...he calls it his birthday scripture. It is found in Moroni 7 (Grandpa's birthday is on the 7th of June) and it is verse 48 (Grandpa was born in 1948).<br />
That will help him remember...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">that ye may be filled with this love,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">that ye may become the sons of God;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">that when he shall appear we shall be like him, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">for we shall see him as he is; </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">that we may have this hope; </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Moroni 7:48</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Until next time...</span></div>
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</div>Gary and Pamela Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08307643252732814073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125431153435959795.post-1738621650498174702011-12-14T20:31:00.000-08:002011-12-20T10:06:27.006-08:00Thanksgiving Time!<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Here it is mid-December, November is long gone, but we are left with fun memories of Thanksgiving. Still no snow here in Helsinki, but the darkness has come. It is dark now by 3:00pm! Daylight begins each day around 9:00am. It is pretty strange leaving the office each day in the dark. We have been having lots of rain...</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full bellies and lots of smiles...not one of the 22 wonderful<br />
missionariesforgot to say thank you...most said it over and over!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSeYPYuz_Kw/Tul_NOKBMLI/AAAAAAAANN0/d5yocV2Zu14/s1600/DSCN1772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wSeYPYuz_Kw/Tul_NOKBMLI/AAAAAAAANN0/d5yocV2Zu14/s320/DSCN1772.JPG" width="212" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We had a fun Thanksgiving! We had to special order our turkeys, not something the Finns have in their groceries on a regular basis. Chicken is common, but not turkey. We cooked three 14 lb. turkeys to feed all the missionaries in our Helsinki Zone. We made our own cranberries. Even had pumpkin pies which is also not common here. We played a fun Thanksgiving Alphabet game...telling what we were thankful for with each letter of the alphabet. We had a delicious time! Hey, kids guess what is VERY common to the Finnish diet...rutabaga! Yup, I had my rutabaga with lots of gravy. They even make casseroles with it.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rdi6_DRNwGg/Tul_PNy6M_I/AAAAAAAANN8/hrIGxmiUph0/s1600/DSCN1777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rdi6_DRNwGg/Tul_PNy6M_I/AAAAAAAANN8/hrIGxmiUph0/s320/DSCN1777.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> One of the new couple missionaries made small napkin rings with turkeys on it for us all.</span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qIy_GKQ07EA/Tul7in-TkTI/AAAAAAAANNs/FoIq_4QUEQU/s1600/DSCN1762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="423" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qIy_GKQ07EA/Tul7in-TkTI/AAAAAAAANNs/FoIq_4QUEQU/s640/DSCN1762.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the work crew! We are a formidable team!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ABvujaRETvM/TrwWNb6HOsI/AAAAAAAANKY/wfHU6zxj7vA/s1600/DSCN1681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ABvujaRETvM/TrwWNb6HOsI/AAAAAAAANKY/wfHU6zxj7vA/s400/DSCN1681.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what is done to the those gorgeous pots throughout the city in preparation for winter.<br />
They plant this beautiful gray and purple heather that can withstand the snow and low temperatures.<br />
Beautiful isn't it?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Christmas lights are going up everywhere...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a9rfzbQln0E/Tu2MSTtKg2I/AAAAAAAANOo/gtAQDOR4jbQ/s1600/DSCN1830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a9rfzbQln0E/Tu2MSTtKg2I/AAAAAAAANOo/gtAQDOR4jbQ/s400/DSCN1830.JPG" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In preparation for Christmas, families visit the cemetery and lite candles in the lanterns there.<br />
Much like we do, decorating on Memorial Day. These are special candles and they stay lit throughout the entire Christmas season. We will go again sometime just after Christmas and there will be wreaths, ribbons, etc.<br />
It is a thoughtful and touching tradition.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8iXYxC_oXCQ/Tu2NCF9du2I/AAAAAAAANPI/M15cDk76h4A/s1600/DSCN1880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8iXYxC_oXCQ/Tu2NCF9du2I/AAAAAAAANPI/M15cDk76h4A/s400/DSCN1880.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are many Swedes in Finland and one of their Christmas traditions is to crown a queen for the Independence Day Parade. This is a picture of this year's queen...so beautiful. And, yes, those are real candles that drip wax!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KZ-rquNApU8/Tu2NUFhHygI/AAAAAAAANPo/SYlyXQxZNl8/s1600/DSCN1887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KZ-rquNApU8/Tu2NUFhHygI/AAAAAAAANPo/SYlyXQxZNl8/s400/DSCN1887.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's our little tree...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EwYwxiQvwwI/Tu2NTH2FLEI/AAAAAAAANPU/ZryloVfg2kI/s1600/DSCN1886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EwYwxiQvwwI/Tu2NTH2FLEI/AAAAAAAANPU/ZryloVfg2kI/s400/DSCN1886.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f6f4e3; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Lions meet the needs of local communities and the world. The 1.35 million members of our volunteer organization in 206 countries and geographic areas are different in many ways, but share a core belief – community is what we make it.</span> The Lions Club is busy helping people even in Finland. </td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bv1f0EgpVjc/Tul67qCFHPI/AAAAAAAANNY/ivq8EXvFY4s/s1600/DSCN1730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bv1f0EgpVjc/Tul67qCFHPI/AAAAAAAANNY/ivq8EXvFY4s/s320/DSCN1730.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We attended our Stake Conference in a large Conference Center. Our<br />
mission president and his wife spoke. We were challenged by the<br />
Stake President to read the Book of Mormon before our next<br />
Stake Conference in the spring...we accepted the challenge</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">New guessing games for you...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">everyone guess!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-frDHas8Ck_g/Tul7AJB7ecI/AAAAAAAANNo/ScHOXxCRsbk/s1600/DSCN1758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-frDHas8Ck_g/Tul7AJB7ecI/AAAAAAAANNo/ScHOXxCRsbk/s200/DSCN1758.JPG" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is this?<br />
Can you guess?<br />
I'll give you a clue - Grandpa<br />
took this photo.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OgmRP_C4Pk4/Tul66jwXEtI/AAAAAAAANNU/S6b06sb4LLQ/s1600/DSCN1723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OgmRP_C4Pk4/Tul66jwXEtI/AAAAAAAANNU/S6b06sb4LLQ/s320/DSCN1723.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is right in front of our apartment...<br />
a huge backhoe digging a five foot deep hole,<br />
pulling out ten large boulders. We tried to guess what they were building. <br />
What is your guess? The hole was five foot deep about 15 foot square.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DI6t1I6OHok/Tul6_HmlLvI/AAAAAAAANNk/wMq5qFt_6Q0/s1600/DSCN1757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DI6t1I6OHok/Tul6_HmlLvI/AAAAAAAANNk/wMq5qFt_6Q0/s400/DSCN1757.JPG" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also, guess what we did one night for Family Home Evening Activity...yes, we had permission!<br />
It was really fun...first movie we attended in Finland. <br />
We ate our dinner there...they have sandwiches as well as popcorn in their concessions. <br />
The movie was in English with Finnish subtitles...they never dub over an English film. <br />
We all thought it followed the book very well! Check out the smiles...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We had a language training, birthday party, new seniors arrive, Finnish birthday party on their Independence day (December 5th) and attended a lovely Christmas Ballet Recital. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yEQxjAJCM9o/Tu2MUpKtB3I/AAAAAAAANOw/AhIxUS8TaNM/s1600/DSCN1840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yEQxjAJCM9o/Tu2MUpKtB3I/AAAAAAAANOw/AhIxUS8TaNM/s320/DSCN1840.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Language Training Luncheon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LPraMnWDTK0/Tu2MaKJgt-I/AAAAAAAANO8/MK9zOmbz7Yw/s1600/DSCN1853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LPraMnWDTK0/Tu2MaKJgt-I/AAAAAAAANO8/MK9zOmbz7Yw/s320/DSCN1853.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday Party </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A special Christmas song at the birthday party...<br />
three of these dear missionaries were transferred<br />
out of our area. We will miss them!</td></tr>
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Christmas Ballet....made us miss those "good young days" when we were younger and our girls were the ones we watched dance! They were all so beautiful!</div>
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New Senior Couple!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Had a very special baptism for the sweet young woman we helped teach. She inspired us with her testimony of the Book of Mormon, she said, "Reading the Book has made me want to read my Bible and say my prayers again. I had not been doing that for many years. It (Book of Mormon) makes the scriptures so much clearer." She is from Camaroon, Africa, and is here to study in Finland, a truly courageous young woman. A real highlight for us...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Grandpa has two questions for you all - </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">How many straight lines can you draw through a single point on a piece of paper? What's your answer?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">What happens, however, if on that piece of paper there is a second point? How many straight lines could you draw between these two reference points? </span></li>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great idea for a missionary's tree!<br />
Mom sent him this with ornaments to attach...just plug in the lights and instant tree.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They put glass in our patio...making a nice enclosed patio...see our Christmas candelabra?<br />
Is that the star of Bethlehem? Looks like it...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Grandpa and I were able to attend the Nativity Lighting Ceremony at the temple. There were about 100 people in attendance. It was bone chilling cold, but hearts were warmed by the wonderful spirit of love that was there. A few words were spoken by the temple president expressing gratitude for the season coming, the temple, and of course, the life of our Savior Jesus Christ. These beautiful primary children sang several songs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It was a special evening for all...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We hope you are all enjoying preparations for the Christmas Season. Remember to remember to keep Jesus at the center of all you do! We are grateful to be in a country that celebrates Christmas...we miss you all so much and love you for all eternity!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Guessing game answers:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><u>First photo</u>: They are building a Trash Building...these are elaborate small buildings with big bins for each recycled item inside. It will be great to have our trash bin so close by...just a few steps out the front door. We'll post more photos when it is done...we are also suppose to have our building sauna up and running before New Year's Day. We love to sauna...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><u>Second photo</u>: This is an advertising urinal...Ha! Grandpa couldn't believe it when he went into the rest room at the theater. That's a little LCD screen with advertisements being shown on it! These clever Finns...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Grandpa's answers:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">The answer to question one - An infinite number!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">For a moment, suppose that single point is the Bible and that hundreds of those straight lines drawn through that point represent different interpretations of the Bible and that each of those interpretations represents a different church. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The answer to question two - </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Only one...think of the two points representing the Bible AND the Book of Mormon. Only one interpretation of Christ's doctrines survives the testimony of these two witnesses. Check out the link... </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">(</span><a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/the-book-of-mormon-a-book-from-god?lang=eng&query=Tad+R.+Callister+(name%3a%22Tad+R.+Callister%22)" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Two Witnesses)</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">Sounds like that was what our young woman convert was trying to say...Cool!</span></div>
</div>Gary and Pamela Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08307643252732814073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125431153435959795.post-58301357401918111112011-11-10T09:00:00.000-08:002011-11-13T08:01:59.500-08:00Time Moves Fast!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful birch trees...These trees are everywhere.</td></tr>
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We have been here in Finland for the three months! What a country...of beauty and diversity. We have had some wonderful highlights this past month with baptisms and helping to teach four investigators. The weather is turning cold and we are now wearing our winter coats, scarves, gloves and hats. We are told that this is a very mild fall. Last year at this time, there was snow on the ground several inches deep.<br />
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Where has the past month gone? It has sped by. We have been super busy here. L.ife for us has settled into a somewhat predictable routine. We get up anywhere from 4:00am-6:30am, leave for the office at 8:00am, arrive at the office by 8:45am-9:00am depending on traffic, work until about 1:00pm then eat lunch. Leave the office between 5:00pm and 6:00pm. Come home and eat dinner, work on our computers or I read mostly. Grandpa Finland brings a lot of work home from the office. We usually do our laundry on Mondays and Tuesdays. We try to attend the temple every week on Friday evenings. Even though we have a somewhat routine schedule our challenges this month have not been routine.<br />
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Just after we posted last time I had an accident. I woke up in the morning came out to the living room and said, "Good morning..." which was the last good thing that morning. As I went to walk into the kitchen for a drink, I hit my foot on the door trim while walking full stride. Crunch! Yup! Grandpa says, "Didn't you see the four foot opening?" No sympathy there...Here is photo of the culprit that changed my life for this past month. <br />
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Sharp and ugly! Believe I broke my toe and really bruised the foot as well. What a pain! Literally...didn't slow me down to much...I just hobbled everywhere for a month. Feels better now, still tender...no foot rubs for awhile still.<br />
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We found an apartment for a senior couple arriving on the 12th of November. We looked at five different apartments and found a great one. Then the work of furnishing it began. We had so much fun. I developed a blister putting together IKEA furniture. We only bought a few things and had a lot of furniture from our storage to contribute to the whole thing. It turned out super! We pick them up today and they will be in charge of the Helisinki Young Adult Center.<br />
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We walked (and hobbled) to the bank one day and took these photos of downtown Helsinki on a beautiful fall Saturday afternoon.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking time to smell the flowers...roses!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Famous Finnish Restaurant<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMOTGfs7j317mW_ur8E996sf9ma-UpIQdDpKSMNdkcMfYu-_-1ut9pxuhyphenhyphenrgZC2NeqwbbFd5I-TdOTEu4_Tacsqg4EcbpUXKAvWwFFPCuUSMg765tq6ZPMKabwF2egLYxFugLsa6IMHDNR/s1600/DSCN1610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMOTGfs7j317mW_ur8E996sf9ma-UpIQdDpKSMNdkcMfYu-_-1ut9pxuhyphenhyphenrgZC2NeqwbbFd5I-TdOTEu4_Tacsqg4EcbpUXKAvWwFFPCuUSMg765tq6ZPMKabwF2egLYxFugLsa6IMHDNR/s320/DSCN1610.JPG" width="78" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wedding Photos made us reminise... </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchTgIwf2FhddP-3MofnTw_p-cMrP8-YbpUAKQzCSFSog4uUkeVlG6dlORkFce0V3t-eFe0Sf5xP1HSsFE1xm58H0ymqBjuDJxB8CQx6cgnDT5b1jNg_Ozph93CXS7ef7Aa6nnSMhyphenhyphen1Wnp/s1600/DSCN1613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchTgIwf2FhddP-3MofnTw_p-cMrP8-YbpUAKQzCSFSog4uUkeVlG6dlORkFce0V3t-eFe0Sf5xP1HSsFE1xm58H0ymqBjuDJxB8CQx6cgnDT5b1jNg_Ozph93CXS7ef7Aa6nnSMhyphenhyphen1Wnp/s320/DSCN1613.JPG" width="320" /></a>International BANK!<br />
See the stars and stripes...<br />
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We had another birthday party for one of the sisters we serve with. It was fun and the food was marvelous. Cooking here in Finland is with the metric system so it can be a challenge!<br />
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Homemade rolls and I made the cake! This pan fits in the whole oven and slides in like the rack might...<br />
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We went to dinner at a Finnish home. The people live in our ward here and went to America and stayed in our home while touring the area. They loved their time there! They saw the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and had a wonderful time. They visited family in Salt Lake and took in Conference. From this kind sister I learned how to make Salmon Soup, the Finnish way, and also a very popular Finnish dessert, Rahka. It has whipping cream and rahka (which cannot be bought in America and is somewhere between a cream cheese and yogurt). I have since made both for our own company and they were delicious! Finland has so many breads and so many cheeses. It is quite delightful! <br />
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We found an unbelievable FLEA MARKET! Forgot to take photos, but I will next time. It is a hockey arena, huge place, where people (like you and I) bring their stuff and sell them. You could call it a big garage sale, all in one place. Each person has their own tables. The Market spans the entire arena, just to see what is there takes hours. We had so much fun! All the prices were rock bottom prices. Many of the items were brand new with tags still on.<br />
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A blessing that came our way was discovering that we could live-stream our favorite radio channel from back home: <a href="http://midutahradio.com/kmgr">KMGR</a> We especially love the "Sounds of Sunday" programming all day every Sunday! It's worth checking out...<br />
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Fall wrapped up so beautifully here...colored leaves and sunny days. Now it is already getting completely dark by 4:00pm in the afternoon. Seems so strange... Finnish people love Christmas and they have no Thanksgiving holiday so they have already begun to decorate everywhere! It is exciting to see and we will be posting some wonderful photos of the store windows and their magnificent decorations.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We took a drive to Sipoo to teach an investigator and it was a beautiful change from the city.<br />
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Granite rises up out of the earth...I find it breathtakingly beautiful!</div>
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Two more Language Trainings...missionaries come to Helsinki for training at 6 weeks into their missions and at 6 months into their missions. They come in groups and have language (Soumi) proficiency training for an entire day. We, the office staff, provide a home cooked lunch for them. It is hard work, but we love it!<br />
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Our President and his lovely wife hosted a farewell dinner of delicious Finnish food, all home cooked by her. She has amazing culinary skills!</div>
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Fun photos of the mission home where the President and his wife live. This is the basement set up to accommodate in-coming missionaries. They will stay here over night, at least, be interviewed by the President and then sent by inspiration to serve throughout Finland. Trainers who have already been chosen will have arrived in Helsinki to meet the new Elders or Sisters and become their new companions. Sometimes the trainers sleep at the Mission Office. Change week is a big and busy time!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of these are photos at a baptism...some photos of members, investigators who are always invited, refreshments provided by the ward and ward mission leaders. Of course, Elders who performed the baptism interview and the baptism. Confirmations are performed in the ward meetings on the Sunday following baptism. Baptisms are so special; the spirit of love is present!</td></tr>
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Here is a little story that brought laughter to us in our travels to and fro. One Friday evening after attending the temple, we were hungry and wanted to stop for a sandwich. We passed a sign and I said to all..."Oh, Oh! McDonald's is only 1.5km down the road. Well, we drove a bit and it felt farther than 1.5km so all the way everyone, Grandpa Finland and the two sisters, laughed and teased Grandma Finland all the way that I saw a sign advertising McDonald's and it must have read - 1.5 Euros, NOT km. I told them it did so, but they were merciless and Grandpa Finland never let up...he even took this photo of the sign at McDonalds. AWK!</div>
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The teasing went on for days and days...whenever I would say something, point out something, someone would be so kind as to remind me that "my vision was not what it used to be" or "are you sure that is right? You know you see things differently than they really are." It was a source of laughter for all...<br />
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Well, here is the rest of the story. The last time we were at the temple we had occasion to drive home again that same way. AND, here is the sign that I saw...<br />
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A, Ha! There were heart felt apologies all around and now it was Grandma Finland's turn to laugh! Don't let others laughter or fun making let you doubt what you know you saw or felt in your heart! I never backed down from what I knew I had seen...let's always stand as witnesses of our Lord Jesus Christ in all places and at all times, no matter who may ridicule. Fun story for me to tell, but a life lesson to live! (As an addendum to this story, I would like to add a link to the profile that our oldest grandchild wrote. We love her so...She is an example to us all! <a href="http://mormon.org/me/6C43/">Raye Elizabeth</a> )<br />
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Okay, time to wrap up this entry...it has been a modge-podge of information. We are feeling the effects of being so far from family and friends. We are lonesome for the feel of our grand kids kisses and hugs. We miss the laughter and smiles of our adult children. We work hard and get so tired out! But, we love the Lord and His gospel...it is such a wonderful feeling to know that we are serving Him and helping His work to go forth to those who seek after His happiness and peace.<br />
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We will be having a Thanksgiving dinner for all who reside in the mission home zone...twenty missionaries, office staff of five and the President and his wife. There will be twenty seven of us! We will play games, eat lots of good food and reminisce about our forever families that we miss everyday. We will listen to the miraculous stories of conversion and change. Elder France (Grandpa Finland) will play billards and fuseball. He's a champ at that! We will watch Mr. Krueger's Christmas and be filled with thanksgiving for the Lord's blessings upon us.<br />
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A Christmas trip is planned in December. Guess where we are going? We are going north to visit the home of Santa Claus. You knew he lives in Finland, right? Yes! <br />
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May your month be wonderful as you gather for your Thanksgiving celebrations.</div>
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Know that we are grateful for each of you, more than you can ever know. </div>
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I want to share in parting something my sister shared with us. She is doing better now and is rehabilitating in preparations for going home. Thank you to all who prayed for her!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-size: x-small;">And who can say there is no <span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffcc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">God</span> ???<br />Fascinating, I've never given most of this a thought!!!!<br /><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffcc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">God</span>'s accuracy may be observed in the hatching of eggs.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-size: x-small;">For example:<br />-the eggs of the potato bug hatch in 7 days;<br />-those of the canary in 14 days;<br />-those of the barnyard hen in 21 days;<br />-The eggs of ducks and geese hatch in 28 days;<br />-those of the mallard in 35 days;<br />-The eggs of the parrot and the ostrich hatch in 42 days.<br />(Notice, they are all divisible by seven, the number of days in a week!)<br /><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffcc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">God</span>'s wisdom is seen in the making of an elephant... The four legs of this great beast all bend forward in the same direction. No other quadruped is so made. <span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffcc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">God</span> planned that this animal would have a huge body, too large to live on two legs... For this reason He gave it four fulcrums so that it can rise from the ground easily.<br />The horse rises from the ground on its two front legs first. A cow rises from the ground with its two hind legs first. How wise the Lord is in all His works of creation!<br /><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffcc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">God</span>'s wisdom is revealed in His arrangement of sections and segments, as well as in the number of grains.<br />-Each watermelon has an even number of stripes on the rind.<br />-Each orange has an even number of segments.<br />-Each ear of corn has an even number of rows.<br />-Each stalk of wheat has an even number of grains.<br />-Every bunch of bananas has on its lowest row an even number of bananas, and each row decreases by one, so that one row has an even number and the next row an odd number.<br />-The waves of the sea roll in on shore twenty-six to the minute in all kinds of weather.<br />All grains are found in even numbers on the stalks, and the Lord specified thirty fold, sixty fold, and a hundred fold - all even numbers.<br /><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffcc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">God</span> has caused the flowers to blossom at certain specified times during the day, so that Linnaeus, the great botanist, once said that if he had a conservatory containing the right kind of soil, moisture and temperature, he could tell the time of day or night by the flowers that were open and those that were closed!<br /><br />The lives of each of you may be ordered by the Lord in a beautiful way for His glory, if you will only entrust Him with your life. If you try to regulate your own life, it will only be a mess and a failure. Only the One Who made the brain and the heart can successfully guide them to a profitable end. Thus the Lord in His wonderful grace can arrange the life that is entrusted to His care in such a way that it will carry out His purposes and plans, and will be fragrant with His presence. Only the <span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffcc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">God</span>-planned safe life is successful. Only the life given over to the care of the Lord is fulfilled.</span></div>
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<img height="200" src="http://images.pictureshunt.com/pics/b/baby_elephant_and_mom-8050.jpg" width="200" /> <img height="257" src="http://spottedhorsechick.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/misc-flowers-horses-baby-thunderhead-008-2.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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<img height="116" src="http://us.cdn1.123rf.com/168nwm/kgtoh/kgtoh0706/kgtoh070600048/1016143-cut-orange-illustration-of-orange-cut-into-half-and-sections.jpg" width="200" /> <img height="212" src="http://www.jenniferherndon.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/oceanwaves.jpg" width="320" /><br />
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Love and prayers to you and yours!<br />
<br />Gary and Pamela Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08307643252732814073noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125431153435959795.post-45022995578400037332011-10-02T02:46:00.000-07:002011-10-05T20:30:24.141-07:00Work! Worry! Wonderful!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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Hello again! Has it really been three weeks since our last blog update? We have been working and working and working. We are trying to catch up with what needs to be done and we are beginning to know what to do. We stay late at the office when necessary and worked Saturday. We have had a few challenging mistakes, which of course, challenges attitude and perspective. But, we are remaining diligent and determined!<br />
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It has also been weeks of worry and prayer concerning my older sister who had heart surgery. She is doing better, but has been and still is in ICU. Her family, goodness, special ways and my favorite memories have been on our minds daily.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQ1W0ugXdnA/Tof4Wtu76fI/AAAAAAAAM8c/b8hfwbef1TE/s1600/DSCN1559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQ1W0ugXdnA/Tof4Wtu76fI/AAAAAAAAM8c/b8hfwbef1TE/s320/DSCN1559.JPG" width="276" /></a></div><br />
We have had some very special spiritual experiences with missionary work and the power of prayer. We have had several opportunities to go to "teachs" with the young elders and sisters. Those have been interesting and enlightening. These young people know how to love investigators with open hearts and minds. We attended a baptism for a gentleman from the Congo who has made Finland his home for the past 14 years. It is Conference week end and watching it at our chapel has been great. I especially appreciated a talk that one of our leaders gave for the women of our church. <a href="http://lds.org/pages/general-rs-meeting-2011?lang=eng">Forget Me Not</a> It is funny and gives some amazing advice applicable for all christian women. He is such a fine speaker!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPawkh3gKQk/Tof4X6PyeJI/AAAAAAAAM8g/Y0QkegqIdn0/s1600/DSCN1534-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="130" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPawkh3gKQk/Tof4X6PyeJI/AAAAAAAAM8g/Y0QkegqIdn0/s200/DSCN1534-1.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last Blog entry I mentioned the street signs,<br />
but I neglected to give you examples.<br />
Here's how they are on 99% of the streets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vx9tlXYIDCE/Tof4YkBmdXI/AAAAAAAAM8k/bFQPwchqlV4/s1600/DSCN1539-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vx9tlXYIDCE/Tof4YkBmdXI/AAAAAAAAM8k/bFQPwchqlV4/s200/DSCN1539-1.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can't see them? Nope, neither can we.<br />
These are not helpful when driving!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
I want to share a few photos now of some of the architecture of the buildings.<br />
<br />
It is beautiful and unusual!<br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">First, here is a photo taken off our balcony...notice the date on the building itself...1907. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The building and those around our office are very old buildings. This one is 104 years old!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes we go out on the balcony to take a breath of fresh air and look down to the sea. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xrpqCMGuny8/Tof5AIs6HII/AAAAAAAAM8s/Z0ZvhXXOToQ/s1600/DSCN1565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xrpqCMGuny8/Tof5AIs6HII/AAAAAAAAM8s/Z0ZvhXXOToQ/s640/DSCN1565.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gKknBuUNx0Y/Tof5BjY5CKI/AAAAAAAAM80/7JADI5w-3ug/s1600/DSCN1568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gKknBuUNx0Y/Tof5BjY5CKI/AAAAAAAAM80/7JADI5w-3ug/s400/DSCN1568.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NmRmy9zNlDM/Tof3WkgnzHI/AAAAAAAAM7o/OA6gU06mbYs/s1600/DSCN1528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NmRmy9zNlDM/Tof3WkgnzHI/AAAAAAAAM7o/OA6gU06mbYs/s400/DSCN1528.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_iz1i93ZnOY/Tof0GzzGbJI/AAAAAAAAM64/zU_Voh9A3MY/s1600/DSCN1516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="537" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_iz1i93ZnOY/Tof0GzzGbJI/AAAAAAAAM64/zU_Voh9A3MY/s640/DSCN1516.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fountain in center of town...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBXkqKfdvg8/Tof0FuEampI/AAAAAAAAM6w/27g1dKU7V-s/s1600/DSCN1514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBXkqKfdvg8/Tof0FuEampI/AAAAAAAAM6w/27g1dKU7V-s/s320/DSCN1514.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xF8wk3zluy4/Tof2tMcswgI/AAAAAAAAM7M/YpQUYbo40ps/s1600/DSCN1520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xF8wk3zluy4/Tof2tMcswgI/AAAAAAAAM7M/YpQUYbo40ps/s320/DSCN1520.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-McwiZqLv3hg/Tofy4yXwpjI/AAAAAAAAM6c/5LW4HR4u48Q/s1600/DSCN1509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-McwiZqLv3hg/Tofy4yXwpjI/AAAAAAAAM6c/5LW4HR4u48Q/s200/DSCN1509.JPG" width="116" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oFrSjnBf7Ko/Tof8xpl0ekI/AAAAAAAAM9g/E2FY-m8Od3I/s1600/DSCN1583.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oFrSjnBf7Ko/Tof8xpl0ekI/AAAAAAAAM9g/E2FY-m8Od3I/s320/DSCN1583.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3t9n3lzxe0Y/Tof8yYM9xHI/AAAAAAAAM9k/Yiq2vQdgDY4/s1600/DSCN1585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3t9n3lzxe0Y/Tof8yYM9xHI/AAAAAAAAM9k/Yiq2vQdgDY4/s640/DSCN1585.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7HG1ANXnizI/TofzeRklq5I/AAAAAAAAM6g/BuLPgfpGTKA/s1600/DSCN1510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7HG1ANXnizI/TofzeRklq5I/AAAAAAAAM6g/BuLPgfpGTKA/s320/DSCN1510.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is where the President of Finland does business...see the soldier guarding the entrance! <br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-69gsoNYJY74/Tofy4mMpGrI/AAAAAAAAM6Y/0IBZxpp6jUc/s1600/DSCN1508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-69gsoNYJY74/Tofy4mMpGrI/AAAAAAAAM6Y/0IBZxpp6jUc/s320/DSCN1508.JPG" width="240" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CQzwQf5coHY/TofzeiE8lfI/AAAAAAAAM6k/oDK89ZCgxDA/s1600/DSCN1511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CQzwQf5coHY/TofzeiE8lfI/AAAAAAAAM6k/oDK89ZCgxDA/s200/DSCN1511.JPG" width="158" /></a></span><br />
He stands very still all day...but he is alive!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It has turned fall here very quickly and the leaves are all turning red. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are wearing coats and the wind has a chill in it foretelling that winter is around the corner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tlQ-0Qo_JTM/Tof6yq40crI/AAAAAAAAM88/ZRKAwP1wu38/s1600/DSCN1572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tlQ-0Qo_JTM/Tof6yq40crI/AAAAAAAAM88/ZRKAwP1wu38/s640/DSCN1572.JPG" width="544" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the entrance to a beautiful park in downtown Helsinki.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1elnU3Uksk8/Tof7OajBSYI/AAAAAAAAM9U/WDHmBnATGNk/s1600/DSCN1578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="515" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1elnU3Uksk8/Tof7OajBSYI/AAAAAAAAM9U/WDHmBnATGNk/s640/DSCN1578.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the temple grounds...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vGxIv2t3LTw/TofyRMjWp1I/AAAAAAAAM6M/Sd83jjPcjuM/s1600/DSCN1505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vGxIv2t3LTw/TofyRMjWp1I/AAAAAAAAM6M/Sd83jjPcjuM/s320/DSCN1505.JPG" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a tree near our home, but I know the photo does not do the color change justice.<br />
It was beautiful with the sunlight beaming through.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We go to the Sports park each week and thought we would share a few photos taken there outside.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrY4FJpkCeE/Togs_CgS6DI/AAAAAAAAM-Q/QCcfR-YYWfM/s1600/DSCN1596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrY4FJpkCeE/Togs_CgS6DI/AAAAAAAAM-Q/QCcfR-YYWfM/s400/DSCN1596.JPG" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the Sports Park...<br />
there are beautiful birch trees all over Finland.<br />
Ikea uses their excellent lumber to build some of their furniture.<br />
Finland does a wonderful job of managing their forests<br />
...always planting new trees whenever they cut them down. <br />
Consequently, lumber is one of Finland's best exports.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The last time we went to swim we were not able to swim, again. More competitions going on!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">However, this time it was local youth competitions. Swimming...which we loved watching and </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">another new sport we had never seen before called "European Team Handball". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Team_handball">Team Handball</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was so fascinating and such a fun sport! We watched some amazing young women athletes compete.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DARw-zinn-s/ToglWjEV76I/AAAAAAAAM98/k1rXwpjzavE/s1600/DSCN1592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DARw-zinn-s/ToglWjEV76I/AAAAAAAAM98/k1rXwpjzavE/s640/DSCN1592.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are several of these fields at the Sports Park. <br />
Look along the sides how they fix them so that the fans can sit and watch. <br />
It works almost like bleachers... </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ln5X9VnRAU/TogllxMo8jI/AAAAAAAAM-A/GsW8iXK7yuk/s1600/DSCN1593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ln5X9VnRAU/TogllxMo8jI/AAAAAAAAM-A/GsW8iXK7yuk/s400/DSCN1593.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is instructions on how to do exercises on the outdoor equipment provided. <br />
The Finnish people generally are very health conscious concerning their diet and exercise!<br />
There is a terrible problem with their young people smoking that they are trying to thwart.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HUomu4WXr2w/Togrmtp2iQI/AAAAAAAAM-I/432YqVQmWo0/s1600/DSCN1594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HUomu4WXr2w/Togrmtp2iQI/AAAAAAAAM-I/432YqVQmWo0/s640/DSCN1594.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X3ZzoP5Ftak/TogeoQGWVJI/AAAAAAAAM9s/UwtY2RrqUxQ/s1600/DSCN1588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X3ZzoP5Ftak/TogeoQGWVJI/AAAAAAAAM9s/UwtY2RrqUxQ/s400/DSCN1588.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MLiE9kBAeKY/Togtko-UepI/AAAAAAAAM-U/bkwHpuEA_p8/s1600/DSCN1598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MLiE9kBAeKY/Togtko-UepI/AAAAAAAAM-U/bkwHpuEA_p8/s400/DSCN1598.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oo_Ih-Z3Q_k/TofyB20mWvI/AAAAAAAAM-Y/uOtd0yyzJw4/s1600/DSCN1503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="564" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oo_Ih-Z3Q_k/TofyB20mWvI/AAAAAAAAM-Y/uOtd0yyzJw4/s640/DSCN1503.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This photo above is for the Grandkids to see! Remember what we had on our vacation shirts?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You are are in our thoughts every day...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xl4jlLMGcrA/ThpXhBkSEDI/AAAAAAAAL8U/0CsL5Gxi7BI/s1600/IMG_0564-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xl4jlLMGcrA/ThpXhBkSEDI/AAAAAAAAL8U/0CsL5Gxi7BI/s640/IMG_0564-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember this funny photo!<br />
Thanks for the heart back there..we love ALL your funny faces!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kIqJIfMTYsk/Tof63UFvsJI/AAAAAAAAM9E/ecvI-JDrFQE/s1600/DSCN1574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="355" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kIqJIfMTYsk/Tof63UFvsJI/AAAAAAAAM9E/ecvI-JDrFQE/s640/DSCN1574.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo shows a sailboat race...it was fast and furious!<br />
In each boat is a young person trying to finish the race as a winner...hey, just like each of us!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Did you make your guess about the first photo? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a hint photo...the machine is at the grocery store. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See Grandma packing up our groceries. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In Finland you pack all your own groceries and </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">you bring your own bags or you can pay .17 Euros per bag. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We save our bags, take them each time and reuse them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finland is very big on recycling everything!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All our garbage at our apartment has to be sorted and placed in its appropriate bin. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grandpa had to pay someone in Kanab so that he could recycle. Here everyone does it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EV-NiBMbYZw/Tof4B_-VzYI/AAAAAAAAM8U/aSSNNNkXK90/s1600/DSCN1557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EV-NiBMbYZw/Tof4B_-VzYI/AAAAAAAAM8U/aSSNNNkXK90/s320/DSCN1557.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay...here's the answer: It is a Bottle Recycling machine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You put your bottles (glass or plastic) in the hole and the machine tallies what you have put in. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then it gives you a credit slip to use inside the grocery store...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">sort of like when we used to get money for collecting pop bottles. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for reading our blog...it is fun for us to do. We have some fun ideas for upcoming blogs:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Churches of Finland" - "Cruise to Sweden" - "Soumenlinna" </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We love your emails keeping us up to date on what's going on. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thank you <i>especially</i> to you Grandchildren for your fun messages!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Keep them coming, we need them to keep </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mr. Lonesome monster away!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLoFW3NTFWzHb8VxAbveouWAVwlsCPF5EDEEJeB1yJ8tNsO9zRe9oVy3p5AYi0ebxQ4vYieDsXoiuRsegY6Qcbzwf_bQ4DxBYsc8tier8fhPG7BSjNwLqhlKBuFzDOpu4M9_utL_kL9_M/s1600/8769854-funny-and-colorful-cartoon-monster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLoFW3NTFWzHb8VxAbveouWAVwlsCPF5EDEEJeB1yJ8tNsO9zRe9oVy3p5AYi0ebxQ4vYieDsXoiuRsegY6Qcbzwf_bQ4DxBYsc8tier8fhPG7BSjNwLqhlKBuFzDOpu4M9_utL_kL9_M/s200/8769854-funny-and-colorful-cartoon-monster.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Signing off for now...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love to all!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Gary and Pamela Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08307643252732814073noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125431153435959795.post-50274791898230553832011-09-11T11:12:00.000-07:002011-09-11T11:43:10.215-07:00A Bit More from Two Missionaries in FinlandOkay! Okay! No internet problems this time. I did not post anything last week because we were tired out from a busy week of working long days in the office. On Saturday we hosted our first dinner at our own apartment...See we have our name on the door finally!<br />
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We served a very good Lasagna (a favorite Aunt's recipe). It was to welcome a new senior couple who will be going up north to Oulu, a town where there is a university, and they will serve in the Center for Young Adults there. These centers are now being set up all over the world for young adults to come to for wholesome and fun activities, meals, spiritual experiences and a place to gather with others of their own beliefs and standards. We now have five and there are hopes for eight in the future. Seems it is getting harder and harder to find a place in the world outside of a church building to keep your standards in tact. My heart thinks of our passel of grandchildren growing up and hope they will be able to seek out such a place. This couple has traveled here from Idaho. They have spent their lives raising their family and running a dairy farm. Hard work requiring a lot of dedication! </div>
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It was also another birthday party for our dear Finnish lady who works in the office with us. She is well versed in the law and Finnish ways having worked in law offices, been a graphic design editor and her husband served 48 years in the Finnish military. He passed away just over a year ago after an extended battle with Parkinson´s disease. She lives on the island Soumelina which was a military fort for many, many years and is now a tourist attraction. One of the buildings there have been turned into apartments for veterans families. We hope to go there before the winter sets in and spend time seeing all the sights. <a href="http://www.suomenlinna.fi/en/visitors_guide/places_of_interest">Suomenlinna - Places of Interest</a> </div>
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Found some violets! Guess they are all over the world...love those beauties! A lot like friendship...</div>
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We spent our Sunday after church eating, sleeping, reading, eating and sleeping again. Sounds like a real day of rest! This past week has also been busy, but the days were done by 5:00pm most days. A financial advisor came to our office from the United Kingdom (England) to train Grandpa Finland on "the books" which he was grateful for. We had a busy weekend. We moved furniture out of an apartment that had to be closed and put it all into a storage unit. And we thought we were done moving! Huh! </div>
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Here is a few things I have not seen before: a box that does not require tape (If you cannot figure out by looking at the photos how it works, don't feel bad, neither could we for quite a few tries and we had the box to work with! Ha...) Also, the towels here in each bathroom hang on the racks you see in the photo. Why is that so innovative? Well, the hot water pipes run through the racks, heating the towels! Do wealthy people in America have these in their bathrooms and have kept it a well hidden secret? I wonder...</div>
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Yesterday, we had the opportunity to again go to the gym and swimming. It is always great! We have a sauna thrown in. I met a lady in the swimming pool and actually got to speak with her about families and our missionary work, but shucks! I did not have a single Book of Mormon in the water to give her...I have given <a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=ffe04eb76fcad010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=7cecc8fe9c88d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">Pass Along Cards</a>to the teller at the bank and the man at the storage unit office by saying, "We ARE missionaries!" It is a special feeling to know that we are about our Savior's work! Even though we spend most of our days in the office, we do have occasion to meet investigators at church or on the street. There are many who know not where to find the peace they seek..</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We are so grateful for our garmin, Isabella! Can you believe this street sign...this is a rare one, hanging on a post. Most are posted on the side of the buildings on the corner and are very difficult to read.</span></td></tr>
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Hey all! Love your dryers...just common people do not have dryers in their homes. Not energy efficient enough...there is a large commercial dryer available for occasional use, but what you see below is what we normally use. I have fallen in love again with ironing...is that even possible???<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is the granite wall that is found alongside many of the highways! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">They have just cut their way through it to build this country.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Below was a beautiful clear day...this is a sighseeing tour boat and across the bay is a historical building and museum. Next photo is the open market that is there everyday during good weather and even in the rain. Lots of fresh berries, vegetables, etc. It is much like our farmer's markets in the United States.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">It has rained almost every day in the last two weeks and the temperatures are beginning to fall, as are the leaves. The trees are changing colors and it is beautiful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">This lady is along the shoreline welcoming all to Finland! She was put up after the last time the country was ravaged by war and she beckons all in four languages, Finnish, Swedish, Russian and English.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Beer wagon below...loved the almost matching team! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">This is seen around town along with the trolley cars and buses.</span></td></tr>
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Time to sign off for today. We love and miss you all! Family and friends...hello Kanab!</div>
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Can you see through the trees? Can you guess what it is?</div>
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It is actually a water tower, but reminded me of an alien space ship landing bay from Star Wars. </div>
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What do you think?</div>
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Final photo until next time...</div>
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Have you ever felt like this? (He is one of the many bronzes found throughout the city.)</div>
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If we come unto Jesus we can overcome, even overcome the world! </div>
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<a href="http://lds.org/liahona/2000/09/line-upon-line-to-overcome-the-world?lang=eng&query=overcome+world">Overcome the World</a></div>
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Gary and Pamela Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08307643252732814073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125431153435959795.post-16857050211101242622011-08-28T12:34:00.000-07:002011-08-28T12:34:32.289-07:00Lehtovaara! Our previous blog entry was delayed due to internet service problems. Hope all were able to see our last entry! Here is a photo of the library I spoke of...lots of hard work. When we first arrived you could not walk in the room; it was so congested with boxes and "stuff". Now there is a place for everything. <br />
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On the left you can see the Book of Mormons in about 60 of the 82 world languages it is printed in. It had its 181st Anniversary in March and the 150th millionth copy was printed then. Amazing!<br />
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On Sunday we had a birthday party for one of the sisters who works in the office with us. She is from northern Utah and is a very hard working lady. Ready and willing to serve doing whatever is asked of her. The sister missionaries also joined us. The senior missionary second photo below right is from Finland. She has a wonderful sense of humor and we love her already. She is still learning English and very ready to help us learn Finnish. When we were here only one week and suffering miserably with jet lag, we told her that we could not sleep when we were supposed to be sleeping. Her reply was, "Study Finnish...it will work to put you to sleep!"<br />
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It has been a bit stressful in the office this week. The new budget for 2012 had to be submitted and therefore a lot of study had to be done to figure that out. Also, there has been apartments to close and furniture to move. Thank goodness Elders can help with that. Seems the more we understand about the workings of the office, the more there is to learn. We are hoping over time that we can get a handle on things!<br />
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Grandpa Finland wanted you to see how close we are to the sea! This picture is from our office balcony.<br />
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The picture below shows how many boats are in the marinas. Grandpa was told there are about 500,000 people living in Helsinki and about 700,000 boats!<br />
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We have begun to drive home on different routes to try to get home sooner, avoiding as much traffic as possible. Of course, the first time we tried, we became lost. Ended up in a beautiful area with luxury apartments right on the sea. I forgot to take a photo, but I did take a photo from our moving car of these amazing huge flower planters along the road side. They are everywhere...beautifying the city. <br />
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Every six months while on their missions a few Elders and Sisters come into the office for Keili Koulou or Language Training. We also had staff meeting so the President and his wife were also there. We provided lunch for all! White bean chicken chili was on the menu. It was delicious! It was a busy fun day and we loved seeing the missionaries. They are a valiant bunch!<br />
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When Friday came it found us in the office late with the President pouring over the budget. We left about 7:30pm and decided to stop and eat in a Finnish restaurant. We stopped at the "Lehtovaara" or in english translates, sort of, to 'dangerous grove'. The food was absolutely fabulous, but the bill for eating there was 'dangerous' to our wallet! We had fun and called it our one month anniversary celebration. <a href="http://www.lehtovaararavintola.fi/?Lounas">Lehtovaara</a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is a photo of the church building we attend each Sunday. It is the Haaga Ward. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We love you and pray for you while we are sojourning here in Finland! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">May the Lord keep you and bless you! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Gary and Pamela Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08307643252732814073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125431153435959795.post-20900011489102622392011-08-25T11:45:00.000-07:002011-08-25T21:03:47.055-07:00Underwater Rugby World Championships! We had our one month anniversary this week...18th of August. Time has flown by. The office is settling down some...although the amount to learn is still tremendous. We are trying to take one day at a time, prioritize what needs to be learned and put out fires along the way. We are confident that the Lord will help us and guide us. "For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake, lead me and guide me." Psalms 31:3<br />
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I wanted to show you some photos of the streets of Helsinki...last blog entry I mentioned it was like Pittsburgh. Now you can see what I mean.<br />
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Crazy! Very narrow city streets and Grandpa Finland manages without hesitation! I bet he could even do it with a bus...<br />
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We took a drive down from our office and saw some big cruise ships.<br />
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We had a picnic for one of the sister's birthdays. Attended the temple again on Friday night, but got caught in traffic due to a bus breaking down. We made it in time to do sealings for eternal families...mostly all in Finnish. <a href="http://lds.org/liahona/2011/09/the-eternal-nature-of-marriage?lang=eng&query=eternal+marriage">Eternal Marriage</a> One of the most beautiful temples inside we have ever been in. Went shopping after and took these photos so you could see how these clever Finnish people make sure everyone returns the grocery cart.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You put the money in to unlock your cart from the other carts in the row.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--cQDY7wPMvY/TlFgCO8qssI/AAAAAAAAMxQ/5myrRgOvT68/s1600/DSCN1401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--cQDY7wPMvY/TlFgCO8qssI/AAAAAAAAMxQ/5myrRgOvT68/s320/DSCN1401.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
Go shopping and when you come back put the lock back.<br />
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Take your coin...cart returned!<br />
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Saturday was a great day! We went looking for a swimming pool closer to our apartment and found much more than we expected. It was a huge Sports Park with ice hockey, swimming and basketball. The grounds are acres of trails and tennis courts. We were able to catch a hockey scrimmage with young men in their twenties. We were unable to swim because the pool was closed due to the UNDERWATER RUGBY WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS! We stayed and watched and were amazed! We had never even heard of the sport...so demanding physically.<br />
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Referees wear scuba gear.<br />
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Italy won the match! Both teams link arms and Italy sings their song...with great fun and vigor!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Women played too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lEGCQnKBO1s/TlFoScIBXoI/AAAAAAAAM0Y/UDIwYhOESoI/s1600/DSCN1425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lEGCQnKBO1s/TlFoScIBXoI/AAAAAAAAM0Y/UDIwYhOESoI/s320/DSCN1425.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is what they did before the match began...they clapped really loud (pictured above) while a swimmer from each team swam across carrying a small flag from their country...exchanging them in the center of the pool. Swam back and the match began! (pictured below) They are congratulating each other after the game.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the hockey! There were two rinks this large...the other one had little guys playing. Hockey is VERY BIG in Finland!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZWpyDaXl3w/TlFi7n8esYI/AAAAAAAAMyU/WBoSMeyt5f4/s1600/DSCN1408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZWpyDaXl3w/TlFi7n8esYI/AAAAAAAAMyU/WBoSMeyt5f4/s320/DSCN1408.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Also visited a beautiful cemetary...every headstone is granite! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course, then in the afternoon we were able to find a great golf course. How long did it take Grandpa Finland to find his favorite sport?...only two weeks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Notice where the golf club is pointing...YES, IKEA! It was three stories high...we went there and ended our day with shopping. What a fun day! </div>Gary and Pamela Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08307643252732814073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125431153435959795.post-3236064344543259692011-08-14T10:26:00.000-07:002011-08-14T10:54:19.509-07:00First Train Ride! This was a busy week. On Tuesday we said "Goodbye!" to five Elders and welcomed seven new missionaries to our mission. It was a day filled with activity which kept us fully awake! It was "change" day and therefore, missionaries were transferred around the mission, including those who had been keeping things running in the office until we arrived to take over. We only knew these young men for a week, but they became our heroes for what they had done when asked to. There are five of us now in the office who will work hard to keep up with those two Elders accomplished. Their testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ are on fire and they were anxious to return to the field to spread His word. Here is a cool photo of them that they had hanging on the door welcoming all to the office!<br />
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We worked hard for the remainder of the week to learn and glean needed information to perform our duties. We also found that we were organizing and cleaning. The library was in need of work so lots of filing and rearranging is being done. Finland is a country of many diverse languages thus the library is also very diverse in languages, a formidable task to keep it in order. <br />
We took the opportunity then on Friday to attend the temple in Espoo, a suburb of Helsinki. It is located in a beautifully forested area. Finland is known for its lumber production and cultivation of their beautiful forests. They know how to live "green" and save the trees!<br />
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The temple is built out of lovely white, shiny granite. This photo does not do it justice. We attended in the evening and the light was almost gone. Much of Finland is made of ancient granite bedrock , which has been shaped and fractured by several ice ages. The temple is surrounded by tall evergreens and the gardens are planted with lots of flowers. I especially liked these purple daisies! <br />
Saturday, our personal day, we decided to travel by train, for the first time, to Helsinki and go to their premier shopping store, Stockmanns. It is eight stories of store...with everything you would want. It is like one of our sprawling malls but built "UP"! It was a fun day... here are photos of our trip.<br />
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In the background of this photo are buildings very close to our apartment building. We live a stone's throw from the train stop. The glass walkway you see takes us over the tracks so we can get on the train. The first photo is our train coming; the second photo is one returning from Helsinki, like the one we road to end our trip. <span id="goog_992957262"></span><br />
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The trains were very comfortable, smooth and fast! It cost us about 2.5 Euros...or $3.50 each one way. It is less to buy a month's pass. Our money is not valued at its face value. This is the train station...lots of flowers hanging in gorgeous pots all over the city. The Finns love their flowers...the second photo is the back door of the train station and the third photo is the amazing front door.<br />
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As we walked through the train station I took a few photos of what we saw. Inside the train station was fine architecture. There are several levels with lots of escalators, up-down and cross-wise. As we entered one escalator I spied something really American. Can you spot it? No, it's not the donuts. No, not the flower shop. As we left the train station we saw many entertainers trying to earn a coin or two. The little girl was eight years old playing the accordion at a skill level far above her age. <br />
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Inside we found anything a heart could desire...the basement floor was the biggest grocery market we ever saw with foods from all over the world. We bought salmon for about $4.50 a pound (I cook it for our dinner today and it was yummy!) See the floors...<br />
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Of course, one of our favorite floors was the toy floor. Look at the amazing "Star Wars" Lego figure and the Lego city! "Star Wars" is loved by kids all over the world...<br />
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We went to the 7th floor, chose from several restaurants and had a delicious lunch! I was caught with my mouth full...opps!<br />
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Our trip home on the train was quick and comfortable. Did you see what was truly American in the train station photos? Here's a hint...look for the "golden arches"!<br />
We ended our Saturday by driving to a pool nearby to get some exercise. It was a modern, clean facility and we hope to attend a few times a week. While there Elder France (Grandpa Finland) had to take this photo of the ingenuity of the Finnish people again.<br />
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Notice how the chairs are up so they can be swept under...pretty smart, right? Do we have these in America?<br />
Bye for now...<br />
<span id="goog_2145102665"></span><span id="goog_2145102666"></span>Gary and Pamela Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08307643252732814073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125431153435959795.post-40341952906408009892011-08-07T11:56:00.000-07:002011-08-12T22:50:26.345-07:00Getting Settled!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QnLxmz2_MFd782gwCB1wIrMH4PbJcVOpqEcVe4NibEUuF7-Dcb2III0BuJQ3xPK07KoH0WzfUYRct3Sc6GZBWUou5RHZ4hrRPdfCT8OfKxorJB1D4xVgDSDPrhB8IHePjn4lnJX2IRUj/s1600/DSCN1296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QnLxmz2_MFd782gwCB1wIrMH4PbJcVOpqEcVe4NibEUuF7-Dcb2III0BuJQ3xPK07KoH0WzfUYRct3Sc6GZBWUou5RHZ4hrRPdfCT8OfKxorJB1D4xVgDSDPrhB8IHePjn4lnJX2IRUj/s320/DSCN1296.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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This is a photo of our bus at the MTC taking us to the Salt Lake City airport Monday, 18th July. It was very touching to see the districts of missionary up so early, 4:00am, to see their companions off to their destinations all over the world. Ours was the first bus in line and we had 31 missionaries on our bus. At the departure devotional there were 488 missionaries who left the MTC the same week we did. The devotional was filled with an indescribable energy imminating from all those young missionaries! And, even some energy from the seniors came pouring out...we were all filled with anticipation and the desire to do our best for the Lord!<br />
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We had excellent flights from Salt Lake City, Utah all the way to Helsinki, Finland. We worked hard on our bags to have them weigh just what they needed to and were blessed that we were right on. We did have an extra long layover in Washington, D.C., part of it planned and part of it unplanned. The photo you see here is us meeting Gary, our eldest, for lunch. He is in Washington, D.C. on assignment with the FBI. It was a delight to see him and we had a delicious lunch at the Red Robin thus the "thumbs up" over our heads.<br />
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Then we returned to the airport and waited to board this big baby! We were asked to check our carry on baggage through to Helsinki and we did so with relief. I hand carried my laptop and purse...no heavy carry-ons to lug on the plane or around the airport in Frankfurt. Our airplane was a 747 and had seats for ten people in one row. We sat right in the middle of the center four seats. What a huge airplane...<br />
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We boarded and then we sat on the runaway for one hour...two hours...three hours before we could take off due to thunderstorms. We were the first plane in a long line of planes waiting so there was no going back...but finally we were airborne. The flight was uneventful and no turbulence at all! We had missed the storm. Isn't that like life...if we sometimes wait patiently when we feel angry, upset or in crisis, then when we move forward...no turbulence!<br />
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We both slept some on the plane and arrived safely in Frankfurt Tuesday, 19th July, 4:00pm and went through getting our flights rescheduled to Helsinki; we arrived to late to get the original one scheduled. We flew Lufthansa and they treated us magnificently! We waited in Frankfurt for a few hours...our sleepiest time...and then on to Helsinki. We were picked up at the airport by the mission president, his assistants and two office elders. We were driven to the President's home and fed a delicious meal prepared by his wife. Also in attendance at the dinner were the two other local (Finnish) sisters working in the office and another senior sister from Utah. We had good food and good conversation and then were taken to our apartment. <br />
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From the photos below you can see how delighted we were. It is a new apartment furnished comfortably, just lovely. I was so happy and relieved to see the apartment was so beautiful! Our apartment is the one on the first floor directly to the right of the front door.<br />
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This last photo is what you see out the back of our apartment. It has a trail for walking through this wooded area. Quiet place...we spent much of our evening time and Saturday time buying things needed for our apartment and our groceries. Not so easy to shop when you cannot read anything! We could ask at any time and the store workers were most helpful. 90% of the Finnish people speak some English. See the photo below of the escalator for you AND your cart! I had never seen one before. We ate a sandwich up stairs and just took our full cart with us! Elder France believes that some of the smartest people in the world live in Finland. Check out the dish drainer photo...You wash the dishes in the sink and place them in the cupboard above which can be closed to conceal the drying dishes until you want to put them away. It works amazingly well!<br />
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Here is a photo of the office we will be working in. We both have been working hard to learn what we need to but the jet lag has been a detriment. We will be doing just fine and then the tiredness hits you like a ton of bricks. The worst thing about it is your brain stops functioning completely! For us that is not good...regardless, we accomplished some good and learned some. First desk pictured is Elder France's (alias...Grandpa Finland) and mine is the second photo. We are all still in transition without duties clear, but that will come soon. Tomorrow we have our first staff meeting.<br />
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The day before leaving the MTC we were introduced to the "I AM A MORMON" series. Here is a link (<a href="http://mormon.org/people/">"I am a mormon."</a>)...they are worth checking out. I also found the Homefront Commercials that I mentioned we had seen during a devotional. (<a href="http://lds.org/media-library/video/homefronts?lang=eng">Homefronts</a> ) Hope you enjoy all! We found them at the <u>lds.org</u> media library which has wonderful videos (some are for all Christians to use when teaching the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ). The grandkids will love some of them! (<a href="http://lds.org/media-library/video?lang=eng">Media Library</a>)<br />
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We now have our own car...four passenger purple Volvo. We purchased a Garmin GPS (Love technology!) and we will find our way around now; named her Isabelle...had to leave Henrietta in Kanab; she only knew how to get around in America. We hope to find a swimming pool for exercise and fitness this coming week. It will be a busy week! We have eight missionaries going home from our mission and ten arriving. I hope we can stay awake for the activities! (It is 10:00pm here and still light outside...sunrise at 4:00am.) Love to all...Gary and Pamela Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08307643252732814073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125431153435959795.post-12305754331836463772011-07-31T15:48:00.000-07:002011-07-31T15:48:49.108-07:00Tomorrow is DEPARTURE day!We are off to Finland tomorrow! It is somewhat melancholy to leave this wonderful place called the Missionary Training Center. The food and accommodations have been so marvelous, but mostly it is the profound spirit of love and kindness that prevails here. To see daily the 2600 missionaries here training (hundreds come and go each week - there are 52,000 serving around the world), mostly young people of our future world, fills our hearts with the hope we find in Christ. They are so vibrant and filled with the desire to do good! This two weeks has been very memorable for us.<br />
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We have had several very spiritual experiences and are so grateful. There were two incidents with young missionaries that we knew from Cedar City and Kanab that we had wanted to wish well. But, with hundreds milling around the cafeteria and the numbers on the sidewalks it was difficult to track down any one individual. I discovered a new visual sickness..."name tag blur". As they wiz by I would try to read their name tags to see their names and the language it was written in, especially looking for those we knew and those who were headed to Finland. (We knew there were fourteen training at the MTC assigned to Finland.) After a few days of scanning and a few headaches...I gave up never seeing a single one. So, that said, we are at breakfast one morning and we sit down at a table and there right to my right, sitting right next to me, is one of these beautiful young men we wanted to see, Cody Nielsen. We hadn't seen Cody, who is from Cedar City and lived just across the street from us when we lived there, for several years. He looked so handsome and grown up! He seemed very happy and we were able to wish him well on his mission to Idaho. Then next we had the Bettridges in our Senior group from Cedar City (who we came to love) and they mentioned that a young missionary had arrived from their son Rand's ward (our old ward...20th ward). We believed it was one of the Chesley's sons. That very next day, there he was at the table right next to us...I spotted him and before I made it over to shake his hand he said, "Hello, Sister France!" We felt being able to see them both was quite amazing in the enormous confusion of the dining hall. Then, we had it happen one more time! Betty, our daughter, told us of another young lady from Kanab, a Sister Belva (Shelley Stewart's sister) who had also just arrived. To our amazement that very day she came right up to our table and we were able to give hugs and best wishes. These experiences were so personalized, we felt the Lord's hand in them!<br />
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We were able to have a very nice visit with Michelle and Craig Garvin, friends from Prescott, Arizona. They learned we were here at the MTC and came to visit with us. While we were meeting them at the intersection in front of the MTC front gate...a young lady jumped right out of her vehicle in front of us, barefooted and calling our names. "Sister France! Brother France!" A midst the hugs and hellos, we were able to recognize her. It was Brittany Duerson! She used to live in our neighborhood in Cedar City. She is a beautiful grown up woman now, married and off to medical school in Iowa soon. We met her handsome husband and learned they were both just graduating from BYU. It was amazing that as she passed through the intersection, she saw us at the light and recognized us! We all agreed as we reminisced together that we were very grateful she had not been killed, jumping excitedly out of the car in the intersection. Another amazing thing! What are the odds that she could have even seen us from her moving vehicle? We certainly were in the right place at the right time... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VikoK_yX5bYOmIVcK0tGPZAJ41pO83ec8aJQxn56L5biGeKI-24n2X0_BcA06CMbGWMAyEjfd40zjMBBO5YLbh-vEC6HXFR1FUhJnoXu_1SAlIO7xNt_NdvL0j_S9Rflf0XnzYeVEMKM/s1600/DSCN1216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VikoK_yX5bYOmIVcK0tGPZAJ41pO83ec8aJQxn56L5biGeKI-24n2X0_BcA06CMbGWMAyEjfd40zjMBBO5YLbh-vEC6HXFR1FUhJnoXu_1SAlIO7xNt_NdvL0j_S9Rflf0XnzYeVEMKM/s320/DSCN1216.JPG" width="228" /></a></div>Here are a few photos taken at the MTC. The gardens are lovely and they are enhanced by these bronzes.<br />
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Our formal office training was complete on Thursday. It went very well and we both feel that we will be able to contribute in the mission office. The more we learned about what will be expected of us, the more confident we felt. Here are some photos of the instructors we had...all young people who were students at BYU and returned missionaries. I learned some amazing things about Microsoft Word that I wish I had known years ago! We are never to old to learn new things, especially with young people like these to learn from. Of course, we were given many opportunities to tell about our own families, our own life experiences and learn about the others in our classes. This is also a photo of our seniors group. People who are all headed far and wide to do work for the Lord!<br />
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We have had a relaxing weekend. We had our final language training with Garrett Hybarger, our language tutor, on Friday evening. His patience and knowledge were blessings for us! A delightful young man, his spiritual messages to us were as important to us as his language training. He served in Finland and has only just returned a few months ago so he was able to answer many questions we had about the country. We attended a testimony meeting with a room packed with senior couples traveling all over the world and learning languages (or I should say trying to learn...like we are!) to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Elder France (Gar) was able to bear his testimony in Finnish which tells you how hard he has been working at the language. I was able to say the opening prayer...in Finnish. On Saturday we did our laundry and walked to the Provo Recreation Center and swam, then walked back. After dinner last evening we were able to walk to the Provo Temple and do a session there. It is a beautiful temple in a beautiful place!<br />
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After attending church today we were able to watch Music & the Spoken Word in the Lorenzo Snow auditorium. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir can surely stir the soul. ( <a href="http://mormontabernaclechoir.org/">Mormon Tabernacle Choir</a> ) We will attend a departure devotional at 5:30pm. This afternoon has been spent packing and weighing our bags. Whew! Each one weighs 49.5 pounds...Ha! Just one half pound under the limit of 50 lbs. Then we are off to Helsinki, Finland from Salt Lake City to Washington D.C. We have a few hours layover there and we will get to see Gary, our eldest son who is on an FBI assignment there, and then we will be off to Frankfurt, Germany. An hour or so layover there, then on to Helsinki...arriving Tuesday at 4:00pm. It will be good to get to work...enough already with all the preparations! We are ready to go...keep us in your prayers as we will you all! We love you all! Especially to our children and grand kiddoes we send kisses and hugs and thank you for all your love and support!!! May the Lord watch over you and bless you...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmLP_O66vdETwyOg0Lz15w3gjVVMF6Ij_k2_D3xPXfHTeaSCsUgZ3Kn2Sm_LB-MG4bfX-ehhGFmUk-da4Wt3E7j7O0Yc9CZnItiPJAV6kWZpfDaKPfgUTtdfJlIJ8bn_G8ChEOdb1u-_N/s1600/DSCN1213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmLP_O66vdETwyOg0Lz15w3gjVVMF6Ij_k2_D3xPXfHTeaSCsUgZ3Kn2Sm_LB-MG4bfX-ehhGFmUk-da4Wt3E7j7O0Yc9CZnItiPJAV6kWZpfDaKPfgUTtdfJlIJ8bn_G8ChEOdb1u-_N/s320/DSCN1213.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Gary and Pamela Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08307643252732814073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125431153435959795.post-59975437980563706862011-07-24T15:18:00.000-07:002011-07-24T15:48:34.160-07:00MTC Photo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianc5EzActlO-mpNYjjv6y0xR1rs0Znmq30grNsxe97gTOQtiVg5Rf9a1i_tAhtFlDcYMNuIpgkh2WjM1vIhj7Qc1ODJyNQHqLzK8VpEGiVDjWyQI_7u5OLZMbY_s2VojhmO2nZIxrkOyx/s1600/DSCN1214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianc5EzActlO-mpNYjjv6y0xR1rs0Znmq30grNsxe97gTOQtiVg5Rf9a1i_tAhtFlDcYMNuIpgkh2WjM1vIhj7Qc1ODJyNQHqLzK8VpEGiVDjWyQI_7u5OLZMbY_s2VojhmO2nZIxrkOyx/s400/DSCN1214.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we are at the Missionary Training Center pointing to Finland! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Gary and Pamela Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08307643252732814073noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125431153435959795.post-50242303624879595362011-07-21T05:55:00.000-07:002011-07-31T15:50:47.998-07:00Mission Preparation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhKmVcPXF7-sXviXJqEEOGKJmbsbEktj4Hkamzr6BZaI4dgQrV_NnZGugyr4_KN3qrHhampH08oXNvMc_7BSi5LWLrH6OpMfWivtVKtdoyppr_hklufu5X41k58HzWCIKGAYHLmSUrpgIK/s1600/GoogleEarth_Image+%25283%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632540981249665090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhKmVcPXF7-sXviXJqEEOGKJmbsbEktj4Hkamzr6BZaI4dgQrV_NnZGugyr4_KN3qrHhampH08oXNvMc_7BSi5LWLrH6OpMfWivtVKtdoyppr_hklufu5X41k58HzWCIKGAYHLmSUrpgIK/s320/GoogleEarth_Image+%25283%2529.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 270px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBdC5tuLYjQwor-owRQuK9Y2Kbhhe7VjKKRO1j8V_f7yryzLQcWFx1onJ524HeV12za53xhSBX2LiEw5I2XJ2wH3PWr46q2ZR3wpS6O-7tFskQkI_ZPA3OMSxVQZmG1esChLmIE6PCjMy/s1600/GoogleEarth_Image+%25282%2529-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632540887017177026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBdC5tuLYjQwor-owRQuK9Y2Kbhhe7VjKKRO1j8V_f7yryzLQcWFx1onJ524HeV12za53xhSBX2LiEw5I2XJ2wH3PWr46q2ZR3wpS6O-7tFskQkI_ZPA3OMSxVQZmG1esChLmIE6PCjMy/s320/GoogleEarth_Image+%25282%2529-1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 270px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLzyN15Le7NPDgYq-aLQS-udaKCCUjMC4hnrT6UzbAy1zisS5oOrYPfcKV-07ifS7fuqeb5-nzll7reoDWfQsSTc-NNnSGA3OtYVjR3l_2DlDLd3Tb3p26hB7CMkbJi7y2She1CeS1WnI/s1600/GoogleEarth_Image+%25282%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632540755414068226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLzyN15Le7NPDgYq-aLQS-udaKCCUjMC4hnrT6UzbAy1zisS5oOrYPfcKV-07ifS7fuqeb5-nzll7reoDWfQsSTc-NNnSGA3OtYVjR3l_2DlDLd3Tb3p26hB7CMkbJi7y2She1CeS1WnI/s320/GoogleEarth_Image+%25282%2529.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 270px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_i-iU1QKvlq3IQZk6Yy7VfwdT7HPNag7ekzP-g_fXvXIN5rdZJ6bik5WOsX3OcBbBV7a6bIUdv9b8u6VnH22G2NReRMTUBQX8TQHzEjJR4zcon9fvVrIOWgUv4uusdQuQa5C2JsERSrg/s1600/GoogleEarth_Image+%25281%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632540573270390450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_i-iU1QKvlq3IQZk6Yy7VfwdT7HPNag7ekzP-g_fXvXIN5rdZJ6bik5WOsX3OcBbBV7a6bIUdv9b8u6VnH22G2NReRMTUBQX8TQHzEjJR4zcon9fvVrIOWgUv4uusdQuQa5C2JsERSrg/s320/GoogleEarth_Image+%25281%2529.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 270px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowGpqZtoOytW-Bhj4y1sm8cp3Hoci6z8IHkXBGmbSniBcu_OAdAWtNvkZAe_xo_tf0ZrOSrsSWhZlQ8GX6obIWTYW0grMdKKbqaKIVkGnaqEb6XZfda3_h1cIbU4lfd0GneZyeWhttpuf/s1600/Pamela+Gary+France+Missionary+Photo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631792891789455858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowGpqZtoOytW-Bhj4y1sm8cp3Hoci6z8IHkXBGmbSniBcu_OAdAWtNvkZAe_xo_tf0ZrOSrsSWhZlQ8GX6obIWTYW0grMdKKbqaKIVkGnaqEb6XZfda3_h1cIbU4lfd0GneZyeWhttpuf/s320/Pamela+Gary+France+Missionary+Photo.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 265px;" /></a><br />
On April 26, 2011 we received our mission call to Helsinki, Finland! We joined family on Skype and shared the opening. All were excited to hear where we were going! Daylen, Jimmy's son, won the family guessing contest sponsored by Grandpa and Grandma. He guessed "Russia" winning him $100.<br />
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Preparations began immediately! We were encouraged to begin language training and met with a tutor on Skype three days a week. The Finnish language is difficult, but very beautiful! We found a virtual tour of the office in Helsinki. (Please check out the link on the side of this page. It was posted by a visitor to the mission office.) <a href="http://pics.jandmbrown.com/Vacation/Finland-Videos-2011/16271585_3YXvK/1/1236956716_RswTX#1236956716_RswTX"></a> As you can see we also found a few photos of the street where the office is on Google Earth. As you can see from the photos we are very near the sea.<br />
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We had shots, purchased new luggage, put Passports and paperwork in order and worked to get our home in order. With the amazing help of our daughter, Betty and her husband Jeremy, we decided to open our home for vacation rental while we were away through an international website VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owner). <a href="http://www.vrbo.com/356026"></a> Time passed quickly! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIXV4h-v8l1hoe83rcFqfZhvSeQGLioZngahCZDrzXkfES-6pEoAFwS5QfyZznH1VIKj9ddC__lMgR4oC4p060nqIGz3fh_sqEegU0dNC4c1Iix2gzDXuaGBycnh1m2HehwRKR_bjo9J5/s1600/DSCN1212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIXV4h-v8l1hoe83rcFqfZhvSeQGLioZngahCZDrzXkfES-6pEoAFwS5QfyZznH1VIKj9ddC__lMgR4oC4p060nqIGz3fh_sqEegU0dNC4c1Iix2gzDXuaGBycnh1m2HehwRKR_bjo9J5/s320/DSCN1212.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We had our farewell weekend on July 16th. Our fellow La Estancia residents threw us a farewell at the Clubhouse which was delightful! We spoke in church on Sunday. Thank you again to those who traveled so far to share with us. We were set apart by our Stake President, Robert Johnson. Thank you daughters for helping us pack. The night before we left this beautiful double rainbow appeared! Magnificent...<br />
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Monday morning, 18th July, we flew out of St. George to Salt Lake City. We were shuttled to the Missionary Training Center and our adventure began!<br />
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We have been here now for one week and it has been a busy week. We have been studying and learning every day. Next week we begin our office training.Gary and Pamela Francehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08307643252732814073noreply@blogger.com0